Police officer ‘seriously injured’ in alleged violent brawl at Oldham pub

A police officer was said to have sustained ‘serious injuries’ in an alleged violent incident at a pub in Oldham.

The PC was allegedly trying to break up a brawl at Church Inn in Failsworth on October 31. 

The officer’s injury was discussed during a licensing hearing on Monday, December 1, where a committee decided if the venue should continue to operate. The hearing heard that the officer was hospitalised and is now in recovery. 

Harry Hesketh, of Plane Road, Failsworth, was later charged with GBH, affray and possession of cocaine. 

The licensing committee considered several options for the future of the venue – including the suspension of their license. 

Councillor Sajid Hussain said: “Our major concern is that an officer in the line of duty was seriously hurt. We need an assurance that the new conditions mean this never happens again. We need to make sure these are maintained to ensure that this pub doesn’t put anyone’s life at risk, especially an officer’s.”

But representatives for the Robinsons Brewery-owned pub pointed to its importance to the local community. 

Solicitor Tim Shield said: “This is a community pub that has been with the company since 1929, when [Robinsons] took over from another brewery. It’s important to put in context that this premises has been run for nearly 100 years without incident by the same family business. 

“You are aware that we are in difficult times for the hospitality industry and it is important at this time to support businesses – and especially important to support local businesses with strong roots in the area.” 

Several locals also wrote to the council pleading them to keep the venue open, stating it was ‘a fantastic pub where staff go out of there way to make you feel comfortable’.

The pub will be allowed to continue operating under its current hours, the committee decided. New security conditions have been worked out with police, including a new door staff team, increased numbers of SIA-trained team members, additional personal license holders, and regular checks by Robinsons that standards are being maintained. 

The pub managers also indicated they would be looking at transitioning the venue into more of an ‘eatery’ than a pub through a future application to the council.