Man jailed for Leamington takeaway stabbing

Arronjit Singh Colar was sentenced to five years and two months in jail for wounding with intent after stabbing a man in the head at a Leamington takeaway. (s)

A TEENAGER has been jailed for stabbing a man in the head during an argument in a Leamington takeaway.

Arronjit Singh Colar was sentenced to five years and two months in prison at Warwick Crown Court after pleading guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a knife in a public place.

The 19-year-old from Rugby was at Viallis in Victoria Terrace at around 2.30am on September 19 last year, when a group of customers started arguing with staff.

The five-strong group then turned their attention to Daniel Barton and his friend, and during an argument Mr Barton was stabbed in the head with a knife. He was rushed to Warwick Hospital for treatment to a five inch gash to the top of his head.

The group fled and got into a taxi, but in a lucky twist, Colar was identified the next day by a police officer who recognised him after seeing a clear CCTV image taken at the restaurant. He was arrested that day and was charged and remanded in custody.

At an earlier court hearing in December he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

Then, the court heard how Mr Barton and his friend had been at a club in Leamington where something happened between them and a group including Colar.

After leaving the club, Colar's group went to get something to eat at Viallis before Mr Barton and his friend showed up and went to the counter to order food.

CCTV showed there was some sort of dispute between Mr Barton's friend and Colar's group, in which Mr Barton took no part.

Colar was then shown taking a knife from up his sleeve and reaching over to slash Mr Barton in the head once.

Investigating officer, DS Carl Buckley of Warwickshire Police, said: "This was a particularly vicious assault as Colar can be seen on CCTV reaching over other people to stab the male in the head.

"We were delighted to arrest Colar so soon after the assault and to be able to quickly reassure the public he was remanded in custody.

"He has been in prison since his arrest where he will now serve the remainder of his sentence.

"We will continue to work closely with licensed premises and CCTV operators throughout Warwickshire to arrest anyone suspected of committing violence in Warwickshire so the majority of law abiding citizens can enjoy a safe night out."

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