Man jailed for 14 years for stabbing bouncer at Wolverhampton pub

Craig Birch, 31, was found guilty of wounding Christopher Ramsey with intent, but cleared of his attempted murder.

Birch, of Inkerman Street, was sentenced by Judge John Warner this afternoon after the unanimous verdicts earlier in the day.

Birch knifed Mr Ramsey outside the Harp Inn at Walsall Road, Horseley Fields, early on June 7.

The jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court was shown CCTV footage of trouble outside the Harp that took place after the defendant was refused entry for attempting to take a bottle of cognac inside.

Judge Warner told Birch this afternoon: "He was simply doing his job as a door supervisor. He only survived through the skills of those dealing with him, but he still suffered terrible injuries that had life changing consequences for a good man."

Forensic examinations found the victim's blood was found on his shoes.

Det Sgt Indi Basra said: "The stab wound ? which was around 10cm deep ? required a life-saving heart operation and also led to a bleed on the brain.

"They were shocking injuries from which the man is likely to be affected by for the rest of his life…..and all because Birch took offence to being asked to finish his drink before coming in the pub.

"This case highlights the devastating impact of carrying a knife in public ? Birch's decision to leave home with a knife that night has shattered an innocent man's life and ruined his own.

"If you set foot in public with a knife you not only endanger other people's lives but also your own. If someone with a knife gets caught up in a row or scuffle there's every chance that knife could be used to injure or kill ? and may well be used against the carrier.

"And of course the risks are increased when the carrier, as in Birch's case, is drinking alcohol as their judgement is even more blurred.

"Anyone using a knife in anger can expect to waste much of their life behind bars."