Pub boss faces jail for stabbing – but baby can be born first

THE boss of a pub who stabbed a customer during an argument has been warned she faces jail – after giving birth.

Melissa Jade Robinson attacked Emma Martin in the car park of the bar, causing a puncture wound to the woman’s arm. She had denied inflicting grievous bodily harm, insisting she was acting in self-defence.

However, a jury at Swansea Crown Court took just one hour and 20 minutes to convict her.

Robinson is due to give birth next week, and a judge said he would adjourn sentencing so the child wouldn’t be born in custody.

The defendant was running the Eagle pub in Treboeth, Swansea, on June 9 last year when the assault took place. The court heard that the women ended up fighting before Robinson stabbed the woman in the arm, causing blood to “squirt” out.

During the trial the defendant had insisted she grabbed a stone and struck the woman in self-defence after she herself was attacked.

Robinson, aged 27, of Llangyfelach Road, Treboeth, accepted causing the injuries but denied a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm – also known as unlawful wounding – but was convicted after a three-day trial.

James Hartson, for Robinson, told the court his client is due to give birth to her second child next week.

Judge Huw Rees said: “Out of an act of mercy I will grant bail so she can give birth to her child in peace.”

The judge ordered a pre-sentence report into Robinson but warned her: “Custody will be in my mind.”

Robinson will be sentenced on September 6.