KNIFEMAN IS SENTENCED

From: Nottingham Evening Post, UK - 17 Mar 2003

A Deaf man who threatened a doorman with a carving knife has escaped a prison sentence.

Derby Crown Court heard how Gavin Finney, 23, was thrown out of Minsky's club in Station Street, Long Eaton, after suffering a nosebleed during a fight. Finney, of New Tythe Street in the town, was reported to door staff when he spat blood at others.

Mark Hurd, prosecuting, said: "He was ejected after refusing to leave, but he returned 20 minutes later, holding a carving knife. He pointed the knife towards one of the doormen in a threatening manner."

Finney has a number of previous convictions for similar offences.

Ian Way, in mitigation, said his anger had been fuelled by the frustration of being "profoundly deaf".

Mr Way added: "The death of his mother four years ago also hit him exceptionally hard. She was the one who could communicate with him."

Recorder David Price sentenced Finney, who admitted affray and possessing a bladed article, to 18 months' community rehabilitation.

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