Bouncer thought he'd been thumped by reveller - then he felt blood

A party-goer who stabbed a bouncer after being denied entry to a Blackpool nightclub has been sentenced to 40 months in prison.

Arron Avery, 20, was refused entry to Trilogy on June 11, 2024, after his photo had been circulated among the door staff's group chat.

When Avery and a friend arrived at the club, he was informed that he was not allowed in. But after Avery's friend left and the doorman turned his back, Avery struck him in the back before walking away to join his friend, Preston Crown Court heard. Moments later, the doorman felt stiffness and trickling in his back, realising he had been stabbed and called for assistance, reports LancsLive.

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He was rushed to hospital and treated for a two-inch knife wound between his shoulder blades, which required both internal and external stitches. In a victim impact statement, the doorman revealed: "As a result of the stabbing I haven't slept properly. I hardly sleep at all. Since June, I have had difficulties sleeping."

He also mentioned that he was unable to work for two to three weeks following the attack but has since fully recovered from his injuries, although he will always bear a scar on his back.

Avery, of Northumberland Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to GBH and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He appeared via video link from prison at Preston Crown Court for sentencing.

He expressed remorse to his barrister, stating: "It is disgusting, what I did."

He mentioned his own experiences with knife crime when he lived in London and apologised for his actions.

Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi stated during sentencing: "You don't need me to tell you this could have been a lot more serious.