Loyal customers defend Star Inn in Sandal after police criticise landlord's behaviour after crash

Customers of a popular Wakefield pub have leapt to its defence after police criticised its landlord's behaviour following a car crash outside the premises.
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Officers claim Samuel Collins, who co-runs the Star Inn in Sandal, told emergency services to remove the two vehicles involved from the pub's car park, following the accident on November 22 last year.

The vehicles had been pulled into the car park after crashing on the main road outside the pub, to "protect those involved" and allow paramedics to give medical treatment safely, West Yorkshire Police said.

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They say Mr Collins was drunk and showed "no regard" for those potentially injured by the crash, which included a mum and a small child.

Customers say the pub's current managers have turned the premises around.Customers say the pub's current managers have turned the premises around.
Customers say the pub's current managers have turned the premises around.

The details of the incident were revealed in papers released into the public domain, ahead of a licensing hearing which had been due to take place this week.

The police and Wakefield Council had initially asked for Mr Collins' position as The Star's designated premises supervisor (DPS) - a role required by all pubs to sell alcohol - to be reviewed as a result of the incident.

But it's understood the authorities withdrew their request after coming to an agreement with the pub and the hearing would not have taken place, even if the COVID-19 crisis was not happening.

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In any case, loyal locals defended the Star Inn, describing it as "well run", "family friendly" and a "beacon of good practice".

The Star Inn, which like every other pub across the UK was forced to close because of coronavirus, was emailed for comment, but did not respond.

In evidence put forward by its licensing department, West Yorkshire Police said of the accident: "Officers attending have stated the car park appeared quiet.

"The vehicles involved in the collision were parked away from the pub so as not to interfere with their custom.

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"A man whom identified himself as the landlord spoke with officers informing them he wanted the vehicles removing from the car park."

The force added: "Police are concerned that on November 22, at the time Mr Collins engaged with officers dealing with the (collision), he chose to offer no assistance.

"Police officers identify the man they spoke to as drunk.

"Police are concerned as DPS he was in charge of the premises whilst in an intoxicated state.

"Mr Collins showed no regard of the safety of injured parties including an infant, insisting they be removed from the safety of the pub car park."

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Wakefield Council's licensing officer Paul Dean, who visited the pub with police four days later as part of the subsequent probe, said Mr Collins was "obstructive, "argumentative" and "dismissive" towards the authorities.

Both the council and the police originally said his behaviour warranted a breach of strict licensing rules, before an agreement was reached.

But the local Scouts group, which has earned around £12,000 from the Star's fundraising Tuesday night quiz, were among those defending the pub.

A total of 38 different individuals and families registered supportive comments ahead of the hearing that never was.

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Many said Mr Collins had helped to turn around the premises, which had previously been empty years before.

Punter Andrew Gilmour said: "In my opinion the landlords are responsible, sober, fit licencees, running a successful local facility, which is popular with a pretty diverse range of people.

"Without their vision and hard work, The Star would probably now be a derelict, empty shell like so many others across Wakefield and the country as a whole. They should be allowed to continue to do so for the benefit of the community."

Andy Imrie described Mr Collins and his co-landlord as "professional and polite".

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He added: "In my opinion the way in which both landlords and the staff run the Inn is a credit to the licensing profession and a great example of how to make a success of a local real ale inn.

"My wife and myself with friends visit the Inn on various days throughout each week and have never experienced or heard of any kind of unwelcome action which does not adhere to the key values and objectives of the licence."

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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