Pub Killers: Like Father Like Son

A father and son from hell, who stabbed to death a regular at their local pub, leaving a knife embedded in the victim’s chest two weeks after a copycat attack in another bar have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Jason Michael, 39, and Harry Farrant, 14, of Hewetts Quay, Barking, Essex, terrorized the Victoria Pub, Axe Street and Captain Cook Pub, Broadway.

After a three-week Old Bailey trial they were convicted of murdering 45 year-old amateur boxer Daniel Leahy on April 13 at the Victoria Pub and inflicting grievous bodily harm on David Murphy, 49, who was stabbed in the back of the head.

Michael (pictured) was ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years and Farrant at least 14 years before either can be considered for parole.

Police were already investigating a similar knife attack on Lee Lumb, 29, son of the nearby Captain Cook Pub’s landlady, who was stabbed four times in the neck by the pair, and they were convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

They were armed with a knife and bayonet at the Victoria Pub when they provoked a fight with Mr. Leahy, who punched Michael to the floor.

The father and son responded by attacking Mr. Leahy with their weapons, with Farrant striking the fatal blow. Mr. Leahy was later pronounced dead at the scene.

They had moved to the area from Notting Hill, West London, in late 2007 and became regulars at several Barking pubs.

On February 14 – Valentine’s Day – Michael was not in loving mood when he demanded to ‘have a word’ with Mr. Lumb, son of landlady Lita Roberts who he’d had an argument with.

A fight broke out and son Harry – captured on CCTV - joined in with both pulling knives and stabbing Mr. Lumb repeatedly.

Judge Brian Barker QC told Michael: “Your behaviour on these occasions was an unjustifiable example of recklessness and risk taking behaviour.

“It is the conclusion of the Probation Officer that you are a dangerous person.”

He told Farrant, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, “You show little remorse for your actions and attempt to justify you and your father's behaviour.”