Man jailed for attacking hotel worker with bible in Peterborough
William Poyning was sentenced after a violent incident at the Bull Hotel
A man has been sentenced to nine months in jail after assaulting a hotel employee with a Bible at the Bull Hotel in Westgate, Peterborough.
The incident occurred on 12th February when William Poyning, 45, was asked to leave the premises due to an earlier incident from the previous year.
While being escorted to the exit, Poyning became violent and hit a staff member in the face with the Bible he was carrying.
A scuffle followed, in which Poyning kicked the victim before hotel staff and a member of the public managed to eject him from the hotel.
Police were notified and Poyning was subsequently arrested.
The victim sustained injuries including a cut to the nose and bite marks on a finger.
On 10th March, Poyning, who does not have a known address, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm.
PC Jess Broome commented on the incident, saying: “Poyning’s behaviour was aggressive and intimidating as he lashed out with the Bible and attacked someone who was simply doing their job."
PC Broome added: "We won’t tolerate attacks like this on staff working in hospitality or the nighttime economy."
“I’m pleased Poyning has now appeared in court to answer for his actions,” PC Broome said.