Pub stabbing attacker walks free from court
A man accused of stabbing two men at a Laidley pub is currently free to walk the streets despite police concerns.
When a wild brawl erupted at the Laidley pub on 14 January, two men were stabbed and others injured when the fight got out of control.
Kenneth Anthony Shenton was arrested and charged with several serious crimes, including stabbing a 26-year-old in the hand and a 31-year-old in the arm. Charges include: wounding, assault causing bodily harm, wilful damage, obstructing police, entering a premises to commit an indictable offence, failure to leave a licensed premises, committing a public nuisance and stealing.
23-year-old Shenton appeared at the Ipswich Magistrates Court two days later via video link after spending the weekend at the watch house.
Prosecutor Sergeant Paul Caldwell argued Shenton, who has a criminal record for similar assault, should not be allowed back into the community.
However, the construction worker was granted bail on Monday, 17 January on the condition that he not take any drugs or drink alcohol while on bail.
Magistrate David Shepherd said this should be enough to mitigate the young dad’s likelihood of reoffending.
Shenton will face a committal mention on Wednesday, 2 February.
Irit Jackson, 19th January 2021
