Ashley Blake life story: Day three

Sep 5 2009 by Maureen Messent

Ashley was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court of unlawful wounding and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was acquitted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man hit in the face by the pole was 17-year-old Greg Jones, who believes he will be scarred for life.

The trial Judge Peter Carr, said Mr Jones had been doing nothing wrong and had been trying to act as a peacemaker.

Ashley was taken off-air when he was charged, suspended, then sacked from the BBC when found guilty.

Prior to being jailed Blake apologised for attacking Mr Jones in an exclusive interview in the Birmingham Mail.

He said the violence happened so quickly it “resulted in a young man getting hurt in the chaos.”

He added: “It was not my intention to hurt anyone whilst defending myself and others and for that I am truly sorry.”