Redcar Bar Attacker Jailed After Violent Spree Involving Knife and Threats

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A man who launched violent attacks at two separate bars in Redcar has been sentenced to more than five years in prison following a string of serious offences, including a stabbing, attempted robbery, and affray.

Ryan Lawton, now 26, appeared via video link from HMP (Her Majesty’s Prison) Holme House at Teesside Crown Court, where he was handed a sentence of five years and three months. The court heard the latest updates surrounding his November 2023 rampage, which left multiple victims injured and a trail of destruction across local businesses.

The first incident occurred on November 1, 2023, when Lawton attempted to enter Peggy Junes’ bar on Queen Street, Redcar, at around 10:45 pm. After being asked for identification by a member of staff, he responded with violence, headbutting the employee. Despite further attempts to assault the man, Lawton left the scene.

Later that evening, the same staff member reencountered Lawton, this time outside J&P Taxis. Lawton, accompanied by two other men, confronted the victim and pushed him into a nearby alley. Although Lawton appeared to throw a punch, the man quickly realised he had been stabbed, with visible blood marking his clothes. He was later treated at James Cook University Hospital for a 4cm wound, alongside a black eye and bruising to his face.

Police responding to the scene discovered a flick knife on the pavement close to where the stabbing took place. Lawton was not immediately arrested but resurfaced two days later, causing further trouble.

On November 3, 2023, Lawton entered The Livery bar on Redcar High Street. He questioned a female staff member about whether his name had been mentioned in connection with a previous incident. Moments later, she witnessed Lawton pinning another man against a wall by his throat.

After the woman alerted the manager and police, Lawton grabbed her jewellery, damaging two gold bangles. He then threatened the pinned man, saying, “Give me that or you’ll be stabbed,” before snatching his gold chain and fleeing.

Although he briefly returned to the premises, climbing over the bar and demanding a phone while allegedly carrying a knife, he left before officers arrived. Police later arrested Lawton, recovering the stolen phone and chain nearby.

Prosecutor Anthony Pettengell confirmed that Lawton admitted seven charges, including possession of a knife, attempted robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary, affray, and Section 18 wounding with intent, a serious offence under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

Defence barrister John Nixon said Lawton had endured a “troubled childhood” without a father figure and had faced “very difficult times”. He described his client as a “grafter”, with a background in ground work and noted that this was his first time involved in knife crime. Nixon added, “He accepts he will be punished and take it on the chin.”

Judge Richard Bennett highlighted Lawton’s intoxicated state during both incidents, observing that the defendant had “little recollection” of events. Nonetheless, a custodial sentence was deemed necessary due to the severity of the offences and the harm caused.

Lawton will now begin his prison term at HMP Holme House as he marks his 26th birthday behind bars.