The former leader of a £2 million drug smuggling ring is back in prison after he launched a “nasty and unprovoked” attack on a married couple.
Jonathan Quinn was jailed in 2005 for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was released on licence in 2017, having served half of a 21-year prison sentence.
That licence was revoked last year and he was returned to prison following his arrest for a violent attack on a husband and wife at a pub in High Street, East Markham.
Nottingham Crown Court heard a woman became uncomfortable when Quinn repeatedly looked at her from the next table.
When her husband confronted him, an argument broke out and Quinn launched a brutal and sustained attack that left the man unconscious. The victim, who is in his 40s, was taken to hospital and treated for a broken leg, as well as cuts and bruising.
The man’s wife was also injured after being punched by Quinn as she tried to pull him off her husband.
Quinn, aged 62, was recalled to HMP Stocken Prison after having his licence revoked following the incident on 26 September. He will have to apply to the Parole Board to be released before the end of his 21-year sentence, which runs to June 2026.
At Nottingham Crown Court last week (Friday 13 January 2023), his sentence was extended by 18 months after he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and common assault in relation the pub attack.
It means his sentence now runs to December 2027.
Detective Constable Lauren Carter, who investigated the pub assaults, said: “This was a particularly nasty and unprovoked attack on a husband and wife who were out enjoying an evening with friends.
“Quinn subjected the husband to a brutal and prolonged assault and it was sheer luck he was not more seriously injured.
“His wife was also assaulted whilst trying to protect her husband by being punched and kicked which luckily only amounted to minor injuries.
“The nature of the offence left them both in a distressed and highly fearful state and I am pleased Quinn is now back in prison.
“I hope that seeing Quinn brought to justice and knowing he’s no longer on our streets may bring the couple some comfort.”
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