A granddad who stormed into a Wirral pub wielding a claw hammer while his 13-year-old son carried a knife has avoided jail—despite a terrifying outburst that caused drinkers to flee.
‘No one threatens me’
Kyle Williams, 37, became aggressive at the Rose and Crown in Wallasey shortly before midnight on March 15, after wrongly believing someone had stolen his car keys. Prosecutors said he became argumentative and threatening, prompting locals to step in to help the landlady. Williams then stormed out—but returned moments later with his teenage son and a hammer.
He smashed a pub window and re-entered the premises shouting “no one threatens me” while threatening customers. Several drinkers left the pub as chaos erupted. As he was being removed, Williams smashed a glass door panel before leaving the scene.
Police taser arrest
Later that day, when officers went to his home, Williams ran off through the back of the house. He was found nearby and had to be tasered before being arrested and handcuffed.
Claimed he may have been spiked
In court, Williams’ defence said he may have been spiked, leading to paranoid and irrational behaviour. “He believed someone had taken his keys,” said barrister John Rowan, adding that Williams “is ashamed” and apologises to all those affected—especially his son.
Shocking role model
The court heard Williams has 13 convictions for 28 offences, though none for violence. His last prison sentence was 17 years ago. Recorder Richard Pratt KC said: “You behaved outrageously… and returned armed with a hammer while your 13-year-old son carried a knife. It is a significant aggravating feature that you involved him.”
Williams, who appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool, received a 14-month sentence, suspended for two years.
Final warning
Recorder Pratt told him: “I strongly urge you to take this chance. I doubt very much that this chance will be offered to you again.”
