Two men jailed following New Year’s Eve pub row

Two men have been sentenced to a total of more than 30 years in prison after a firearm was discharged during a row in a Stevenage pub on New Year’s Eve 2022.

Liam Campbell, aged 26, of Rockingham Way, Stevenage, and Charlie Kettle, aged 25, of Pembridge Gardens, Stevenage, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 16 February.

The pair were arrested in January 2023 after they were involved in an argument with two brothers in the Our Mutual Friend pub in the Broadwater area of the town. During the argument Campbell threw two glasses at the other men, one of which hit a woman causing an injury to her head.

The row later continued outside the pub where Campbell, encouraged by Kettle, then fired a re-configured firing pistol at the brothers before they both fled the scene.

At a previous court appearance on 5 July 2023, Cambell was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition, and Kettle was convicted for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. 

At their most recent court appearance on Friday (16 February), Campbell was sentenced to 22 years in prison, and must serve a further two years and six months on licence. Kettle was sentenced to eight years and six months, and must serve a further 12 months on licence.

Detective Sergeant Kate Raine, from the Stevenage Local Crime Unit, said: “This was a challenging investigation, and it is testament to the dedication of my team that we were able to secure a conviction for attempted murder.

“These men had no regard for human life as they fired their crudely adapted firearm outside a busy pub, on what was one of the busiest nights of the year. The sentence they have received reflects the gravity of their actions and I hope will serve as a deterrent to others who think it is acceptable to own and use firearms in our town.”