A cafe proprietor forgives an employee who stabbed him after a work do.
Stephen Melhuish gave Damian Gill a job and accommodation at Faces Cafe in Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Crown Court heard. But after a staff Friday night out Gill tackled Mr Melhuish about other employees and, in a tussle that ensued, stabbed him in the neck with a 12-inch kitchen knife.
Gill, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to wounding after the incident on October 1 last year. He appeared for sentence at the court yesterday (May 26).
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The recorder Mr Richard Smith QC jailed him for 20 months. He told Gill: "You are genuinely remorseful. You have bettered yourself in prison."
Mr Melhiush attended the sentence and made it clear he did not relish proceedings. He told Bristol Live: "I forgive him, he made a mistake and if he gets the support he needs then fair play to him."
Tabitha Macfarlane, prosecuting, said Mr Melhuish set up the cafe as a safe place for people to enjoy. When Gill arrived, having travelled from Essex, he said he had a background in catering and he was given a job and a roof over his head.
The court heard Gill was "brilliant" at the cafe and deemed to be a real asset. In October last year, as the cafe had done so well, staff had a drink after work to celebrate.
Miss Macfarlane told the court that after Mr Melhuish returned to the cafe, Gill followed him and they argued about staff. With Gill holding a large blade they tussled on the floor before Gill stabbed Mr Melhuish in the neck - causing a cut which needed two stitches.
Miss Macfarlane said: "Mr Melhuish headbutted him to get him away and as a result the defendant fell down the stairs. Mr Melhuish locked his door, the defendant exited and threatened to burn the place down."
William Rose, defending, said his client had a troubled background before living in a dry house in Weston-super-Mare and then landing the cafe job, to which he gave his all. Mr Rose said at the time of the incident Gill had not had access to medication, consumed alcohol and went to see Mr Melhuish as he felt he had been disrespected.
The court heard Gill was a super enhanced prisoner at HMP Bristol and, having been recently baptised, was feeling the benefits of living a Christian life.
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