HIV Pub Landlord Sexually Abused Drunken Male Customer

A HIV positive pub landlord, who sexually preyed on a drunken male customer half his age - repeatedly abusing the victim over a two-and-a-half hour period - was caged for nine years yesterday.

John Michael Coyne, 56, boss of the Prince of Wales pub, Harrow Road, Maida Vale bought the 25 year-old stranger a drink, who was so drunk he passed out in the bar and was helpless to defend himself from the repeated attacks.

Ironically, it was the pub's own CCTV that helped convict Coyne at Blackfriars Crown Court, where the jury viewed images of the early hours abuse.

He was unanimously found guilty of oral rape and engaging in sexual activity without consent at the pub on October 13, last year and will automatically be added to the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

The heterosexual victim had been enjoying a night out with friends, which he decided to end with a few drinks at the Prince of Wales pub.

Recorder Dafydd Enoch QC told Coyne, who fought the case: "You told us you prided yourself on your responsibility to take care of your clientele, but not so this young man, who had already drunk too much when he came into your pub.

"You spotted him and you had a sexual intention on him from very early on and the CCTV demonstrated this interest. You took complete advantage of him and the situation.

"The evidence was overwhelming, you targeted him and you groomed him and you lured him into a false sense of security.

"You allowed him to get drunk and used alcohol to facilitate your offending.

"You lit his cigarette for him and you encouraged him to lie down and go to sleep and treated him like an object.

"While he was sleeping you abused him, you took advantage of a sleeping individual and you raped him, knowing you were HIV positive.

"You took an interest in his groin area and anus and you gave him oral sex on several occasions.

"This was a gross breach of trust."

The victim was tested afterwards and is fortunately not HIV-positive, but said in a victim impact statement he had been deeply effected by the abuse.

"He was extremely angry with you and you tried to turn the tables that he was consenting and interested in having sex with you.

"You showed no remorse and fought this case to the bitter end," added Recorder Enoch.

"There was a prolonged and sustained nature to the sexual offending, over two-and-a-half hours, a very long drawn out affair and anyone watching the CCTV would feel it went on forever."

The victim eventually awoke at around 3am to find Coyne abusing him and the defendant ran away, but was arrested and charged by police the next day.

Detective Constable Neil Hume said: "Coyne abused his position as a landlord of a pub to take advantage of an unconscious customer and showed no remorse. I would applaud the victim's bravery attending court and hope that the sentence sends out a clear message."

Detective Inspector Neil Smithson said: "Coyne preyed on an unconscious customer whilst in his own pub and I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim at the hands of Coyne to come forward."