The owner of the Staggered Inn micropub in Dover accused a customer of winking at her husband and leaving her requiring surgery

A jealous owner accused a customer of winking at her husband – then attacked her when she found her asleep behind the bar.

Serena Scoble threw two drinks at Michelle Baker in The Staggered Inn micropub in Dover and left her requiring surgery after broken shards left her with a “deep injury” to her knee.

In an explosive outburst, the 47-year-old also kicked Ms Baker in the back, threw a drink at her and called her a liar and a “s**g”.

Scoble later pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, but avoided prison when she was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Douglas Scott, prosecuting, said an argument broke out in the High Street pub at around 9pm on December 12 last year, when Scoble accused her husband Jason and Mrs Baker of winking at each other.

She continued to shout at Ms Baker before leaving the pub and saying: “He’s just trying to get your knickers in – stuff your boots.” »

The court heard how Ms Baker became drunk and wanted to get a taxi but was unable to find one available. Mr Scoble then gave him a blanket and a pillow to lie down behind the bar.

A few hours later, around 11 p.m., a sleeping Ms Baker was awakened by Mr Scoble’s angry wife, who began kicking him in the back while shouting “I knew it – you’re a whore “a liar” and calling her a “s**”. g”.

Scoble then walked over to the bar, grabbed a drink and threw a drink at Ms Baker.

She then threw two glasses at him, with Ms Baker’s leg bleeding from a “deep wound”.

She was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. The owner was later arrested and granted a “no comment” interview.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Baker explained how the attack had taken a serious toll on her mental health, increasing her anxiety and leaving her struggling to sleep.

She said: “I feel very alone and I can’t go out with my friends or family because I’m afraid something will happen again. »

The court also heard that Ms Baker now struggled to walk due to her injury and had lost money due to her inability to work.

James Burke, mitigating, said Scoble was remorseful about the attack, which was “impulsive” and occurred in an emotionally charged situation.

He added: “She has shown her determination to take action to address her offending behavior. She volunteers at a boxing club and sponsors a child there.

Mr Burke said because Scoble was a well-known pub landlady, a lot had been said about her on social media which had caused stress.

Clerk Daniel Stevenson said there were two aggravating factors in the offence. First, the victim was alone when the events occurred. Second, Scoble was the licensee and was supposed to look after her clients.

He said the situation arose during the breakdown of the relationship between Scoble and her husband.

He added that he was satisfied Scoble did not intend to cause serious harm.

Scoble, who was supported in court by her son and friends, was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He was also asked to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months.

In January last year, the Scobles told KentOnline the new micropub was their dream business.

Together they transformed what was previously The Thirsty Scarecrow – Britain’s first micro-cider house – into The Staggered Inn.

At the time, Mr Scoble said: “I wanted a pub I would like to go into, with the prices I would like to pay, with the beer I would like.

“Locals are our number one.”

His wife added: “We’ve been very lucky that people have supported us and we hope it’s a place where everyone can feel comfortable.”