Fordrough pub murder: Pub closed indefinitely after fight death

Mar 24 2009 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

“We actually fear there’s a chance of our witnesses being intimidated.

“There is a great deal of community tension and it is feared that, should the licensed premises be opened, it will be a catalyst for further disorder.

“Officers are also investigating a serious assault which took place within the premises during the same evening Friday, March 20.”

Gerard Cullens, representing licensee Katherine Keane, said a balancing act needed to be struck between the police and his client and argued there had been no public complaints reported to police regarding disorder at the pub.

But District judge Neal Davison said: “My overall concern must be public safety and my decision is that the premises will remain closed as the inquiry makes progress and CCTV is viewed.”

The pub will remain closed until either the licensee and the police reach an agreement on additional CCTV, door security and staffing levels or when the city council’s licensing chiefs have considered the matter.