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30
Oct
Ripon builder jailed for stabbing pub landlord in neck
A man has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for stabbing a pub landlord in the neck.
Gary Holdsworth, 52, of The Paddock, Melmerby near Ripon, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today (October 30) after being found guilty of wounding with intent and possessing a knife in a public space.
Holdsworth was also handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and his partner until further order.
He pleaded not guilty to the two offences on April 28 this year but was found guilty by jury on August 4 and was remanded in custody until his sentencing.
The Stray Ferret covered the trial. You can read our court reports here and here.
The stabbing took place at 11.41pm on Thursday, December 4 2025 at the George and Dragon in Melmerby, near Ripon.
The George and Dragon in Melmerby
An argument over payment escalated outside the pub where the landlord, a 46-year-old man, was stabbed in the neck by Holdsworth.
His injuries were not life-threatening but required surgery.
Holdsworth fled the scene after the attack but was arrested at his home address shortly afterwards.
In her victim personal statement, the landlord’s partner said:
My boyfriend is a kind, loving, and caring man. On that day, he was stabbed in the neck and nearly lost his life. This was not just an attack - it was something that could have taken him away from all of us forever.
Since that day, my life has completely changed.
I live with fear, anxiety, and constant worry about what happened and what could have happened. The images and emotions stay with me, and it is something I cannot escape.
This incident has deeply affected not just me, but our entire family. It has taken away our sense of safety, peace, and normal life.
Detective chief inspector Cheryl Quinn, the senior investigating officer, said:
I welcome the sentencing of Gary Holdsworth who has been held accountable for his shocking actions that night. The use of a knife to inflict such a serious injury is a deeply concerning act of violence with the potential to cause life threatening harm and devastating consequences for victims and their families.
My thoughts remain with the victim as he continues to deal with the physical and emotional impact of this incident. We recognise the lasting effects that offences of this nature have on individuals, families, and the wider community.
This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of carrying and using knives. Violence of this nature will be treated with the utmost seriousness, and we remain committed to working with our partners and the community to prevent knife crime, protect the public and bring offenders to justice.
Holdsworth’s co-accused, a 41-year-old man, was charged with affray, but was found not guilty.
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