Leeds pub's licence suspended as police raise fears violence could prove fatal

A Leeds pub has had its licence suspended amid concerns serious violence could lead to more fatalities '“ nine months after a man died following a fight.
Richard Davies died following a fight at the Aviator last yearRichard Davies died following a fight at the Aviator last year
Richard Davies died following a fight at the Aviator last year

The Aviator, on High Street, Yeadon, will not be able to operate until a full review is held by licensing officials at Leeds City Council next month.

It follows a mass brawl at the pub on February 6, which involved glasses being used as weapons and left three men needing hospital treatment after having their heads stamped on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A similar incident on New Year’s Day saw up to 20 people fighting outside the premises. According to police, even the manager on duty that night was involved in the fracas.

The latest incidents come after 52-year-old Richard Davies died from head injuries as he tried to break up a fight that started inside the Aviator on May 31 last year.

His killer, Vincent Greaves, was later jailed for four and a half years for manslaughter.

A police report to the council said: “West Yorkshire Police have real concerns that should another serious incident occur, any injuries could be potentially fatal. Therefore West Yorkshire Police cannot afford to wait and put public safety at risk.”

A full review will take place on March 7.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sergeant Dave Shaw, of Leeds district licensing, said: “Due to the serious nature of the incidents and the frequency of them, we have been left with no alternative but to apply for a summary review of the premises licence to protect public safety. Applying for the premises licence to be reviewed is not a measure we take lightly but we feel it is appropriate in this case and we hope it will result in an improvement in the current situation.”

The Yorkshire Evening Post was unable to contact the Aviator for comment.