Man faces 'lengthy custodial sentence'

A knifeman is facing years behind bars after he admitted a stab attack at a city pub.

Daniel Barnes caused serious injuries to his victim after trouble flared at the Wheatsheaf in Roker Avenue, Sunderland, last month.

The injured male, who is in his 40s and had a suspected punctured lung, was treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

At Newcastle Crown Court today Barnes, 34, of Esdale, Sunderland, admitted wounding with intent and having a bladed article on May 18. He will be sentenced in September after the preparation of reports.

Judge Penny Moreland said the sentencing court should be provided with an assessment of the danger Barnes' poses in future.

The judge warned Barnes: "You know the only possible sentence for the offence you have admitted is a lengthy, immediate sentence of custody."

Barnes, who appeared at the hearing via video link to prison, was remanded in custody.

Claire Anderson, defending, told the court: "He appreciates he's facing a lengthy custodial sentence."

Emergency services were called to The Wheatsheaf at around 10.15pm on Tuesday, May 18, following reports of a group of males fighting inside.

Following the incident, the North East Ambulance Service took the injured male to the RVI where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Wheatsheaf remained closed on Wednesday, May 19 following the incident but reopened on Thursday, May 20.