Ashley Blake fears career is over after being found guilty of wounding

Aug 4 2009 By Christina Savvas

He said he lied because he was “tired, scared and in a state of shock”

He told the court they didn’t normally allow 18th birthday parties because they came with the problem of underage drinking but he and his partner had decided to allow it as a favour to a member of staff.

Mr Jones, was too upset to attend court for the verdict but his father Steven Jones said: “I am pleased that Ashley Blake got what he deserves. He lied to police and lied on several occasions. The judge has done his job and we hope the sentence reflects the crime because my son is walking around with a scar for the rest of his life.

“Depending on the sentence he will have time to reflect.”

Blake worked as the BBC’s regional art and entertainment correspondent, he also presented consumer programme Watchdog before moving to Birmingham.

Caroline Boots, head of communications at BBC Birmingham, said: “Ashley Blake has been found guilty of serious offences and we will take time to carefully consider the findings of today’s court proceedings before taking action.”

The court heard a list of Blake’s previous convictions including two counts of theft in 1986 and three more in 1987.

In 1988, Blake was convicted of handling stolen goods and altering documents following a road traffic accident and in 1990 of driving whilst disqualified.

Blake was again convicted of theft in 1993.

Sproule had earlier pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He and Blake are due to return to Birmingham Crown Court on September 2 for sentencing.