WIRRAL: The Monkey’s Nuts pub licence revoked and man charged

Earlier this month The Monkey’s Nuts on Market Street in Birkenhead was temporarily closed when Merseyside Police requested a review of the pub after two incidents involving a knife and a firearm at the premises on Thursday, March 28.

At around 7.10pm that night, there was a fight involving a group of males outside the premises and during the incident it was reported that a man was in possession of a reported firearm. There were no reports that a firearm was discharged.

Following an investigation, David Hughes, 27, of Market Street, was arrested, charged and convicted with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

He was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and an unpaid work and rehabilitation activity. The gun and a knuckleduster were also confiscated.

Yesterday (Tuesday April 30), Aaron Kerr, aged 36, of Oswalds Avenue, Beechwood was charged with possession of a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place and threatening a person with a blade / sharply pointed article in a public place.

Kerr was remanded in custody and then bailed with conditions.

Wirral Licensing Sub-Committee also reached the decision that the pub’s premises licence be revoked following a Review Hearing at Birkenhead Town Hall.

The pub licence holder has 21 days in which to make an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.

Inspector Maggie Howard said: "We hope this closure sends a clear message to any other licensed premises that Merseyside Police are pro-actively working to make our communities a safer place to live and work.

"If you have any concerns about crime or disorder at a premises in your area please contact us.

"You can contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

"You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."