BBC sacks Blake over pub attack
Shamed television presenter Ashley Blake has been sacked from the BBC after being convicted of hitting a teenager in the face with a wooden pole.
The 40-year-old former Midlands Today newsreader has been dismissed with immediate effect following internal disciplinary proceedings, bosses confirmed today.
Birmngham-born Blake joined the BBC eight years ago and has fronted current affairs show Inside Out and appeared on Watchdog and the Holiday programme.
He has been warned he faces jail after being found guilty of unlawful wounding for striking 17-year-old Greg Jones across the face with a three-and-a-half foot section of a patio umbrella.
Blake was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice after throwing the weapon away.
The incident happened on January 25 outside Blake's former bar The Place 2B in Sutton Coldfield.
After the conviction, Blake said his career was in ruins and he faced financial ruin. He is due to be sentenced on September 2.
BBC spokeswoman Caroline Boots said: "Ashley Blake was found guilty last week of two serious charges.
"An internal process has resulted in Ashley's dismissal which is effective immediately."
