Folkestone Singer Jailed for Three Years After Bar Attack with Broken Bottle
Folkestone, Kent – Singer Steven Harwood-Brown, owner of the now-closed Folkestone bar Picklebacks, has been sentenced to three years in prison for attacking a man with a broken bottle. The incident occurred after Harwood-Brown intervened in what he perceived as a threat to his girlfriend.
The attack took place at Picklebacks,where Harwood-brown’s business was outwardly successful despite underlying financial difficulties. His defense argued the assault was a spontaneous, emotional reaction triggered by stress over the bar’s closure and a desire to protect his girlfriend.
According to court testimony, Harwood-Brown asked his girlfriend, Holly, if a man – later identified as Mr. Haderbashlu – was “causing you a problem,” to which she indicated she was uncomfortable. Harwood-Brown’s lawyer, Mr.Rohard, stated, “Those were the impulsive circumstances in which this occurred.” He further explained that when Mr. Haderbashlu’s friend intervened, Harwood-Brown ”just saw two men in front of him,” and “saw red,” lashing out with the broken bottle.
Recorder David Blundell KC acknowledged character references highlighting the attack’s uncharacteristic nature but resolute the severity warranted immediate imprisonment. “Using a smashed bottle and shoving it into mr Haderbashlu’s head and neck area amounted to the use of a highly dangerous weapon,” the judge stated. “The custody threshold is clearly passed.”
harwood-Brown,of The Meade,Hawkinge,will be eligible for release after serving half of his three-year sentance,with the remainder served on license in the community. Since the incident, Mr. Rohard noted Harwood-Brown has become more involved in charitable work, performing as a singer to raise funds.
