Couple ‘attacked landlords’ at horse-riding pub dinner and ‘racially abused’ tanned staff member after being refused beers, court hears
A wealthy couple launched a violent assault on pub landlords and staff after being refused drinks during a horse-riding club Christmas dinner, a court has heard.
Company director Nathan Sayer, 49, and his wife Catharine, 53, are accused of attacking Thomas and Laura Faulkner – the owners of The New Inn at Heckfield in Hook, Hampshire – during an incident on December 9 last year.
The couple, who live in an £800,000 house near the pub, allegedly became aggressive after being denied more alcohol at closing time.
Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court was told the pair had earlier been seen throwing food and festive crackers during a gathering of around 20 fellow equestrians.
The incident began when Mr Sayer returned to the pub to retrieve a forgotten scarf, with Mrs Sayer attempting to order more drinks at the bar.
Mrs Faulkner told the court that Mrs Sayer “demanded” another drink and was upset about two staff members still having beverages.
When Mr Sayer appeared with his scarf, he told his wife to “get the beers in,” the court heard.
After being refused service, Mr Sayer allegedly told Mr Faulkner that The New Inn and another pub he owns were “dog s**t.”
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This prompted Mrs Faulkner to ask the couple to leave, with three staff members helping to escort them from the premises.
In the pub foyer, Mr Sayer directed racial abuse at a male staff member, calling him “Mustafa” and “Sheikh Mohammed” despite the employee simply having “a good tan” from an Australian holiday.
The situation escalated when Mr Sayer approached Mrs Faulkner’s face aggressively, leading her husband to intervene.
Mrs Sayer allegedly grabbed Mrs Faulkner’s polo shirt around her neck, calling her a “fucking bitch” and leaving marks that lasted several days.
CCTV footage showed Mrs Sayer beating Mr Faulkner’s head, removing skin from his forehead.
Mr Faulkner was forced to put Mr Sayer in a headlock after he attacked a female staff member.
The incident ended with staff managing to lock themselves inside, while CCTV captured the couple laughing outside.
Mr Sayer denies charges of religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, threatening behaviour with intent to cause harassment and assault by beating.
Mrs Sayer faces charges of racially or religiously aggravated harassment and four counts of assault by beating against New Inn staff members.
The couple claim they acted in self-defence during the incident.
Prosecutor Ryan Seneviratne hit back at this, telling the court: “The Crown says that in no way, no shape and no form is this self-defence.”
The trial at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court has been adjourned and will continue next month.