Pub customer jailed for biting off worker's finger

A man who bit off a pub worker's finger when he was asked to leave the venue has been jailed.

Martin Roskilly, 48, became verbally aggressive at The Crown Inn, Linton, Cambridgeshire, on 11 November 2022.

Roskilly, from Castle Lane, Haverhill, Suffolk, refused to leave and dragged the intervening pub worker, who was not on shift, outside before biting off his right middle finger.

He was jailed for two years and eight months at Cambridge Crown Court after itting to assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), without intent.

Officers arrested Roskilly at just before midnight and the pub worker made his own way to hospital, but doctors could not save his finger.

In a police interview, Roskilly said he had a drink problem but claimed he did not the incident and was shocked by his behaviour.

He itted consuming more than seven pints of alcoholic drink and visited Linton, more than 25 miles (40km) away from the pubs where he usually drank.

On 5 June, he was also given an indefinite restraining order, stopping him from ing the victim or visiting the pub again.

Det Con Lauren Skinner, from Cambridgeshire Police, said the victim impact statement highlighted it was a "horrific attack".

The pub worker said his practical skills had been affected, he was "rendered useless" in his usual job and the "terrible and traumatic experience impacts him daily".

She added: "He also explained how he now suffered from repeated post-traumatic stress disorder and has no dexterity, leaving him unable to do everyday tasks."

Det Con Skinner said the victim had urged the judge to jail Roskilly, saying it was "important he is not at liberty to wreak such violent havoc again".

She said he was "devastated and dismayed" at the thought the pub could lose its reputation as a community venue.

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