Repeat offender who brandished knife in punch up at Northampton pub told by judge: 'You'll likely be out of prison by Christmas'

A repeat offender who punched another man in a Northampton pub while gripping a knife has been jailed - but will 'likely' be out by Christmas.

Shocked onlookers at The Collingtree Pub could only watch in August this year as Paul Cottingham, of Granary Road, drunkenly pulled out a knife and punched his victim in the face before he was held back by a friend.

Northampton Crown Court heard today (October 27) how the 26-year-old has eight previous convictions for 17 offences and a history of unacceptable behaviour while drinking.

But despite the violent display, Cottingham was sentenced to a total of eight months - and was how between the time he has already spent in custody and how offenders are released on license half way through their sentence for good behaviour he will "likely be out by Christmas" to see his family.

Recorder Jacob Hallam QC, who sentenced the 26-year-old, said: "It is your continued misuse of alcohol that has led you to being back at court today.

"The only appropriate sentence is one of immediate custody."

Cottingham's defence barrister Catherine Rose said her client was "deeply ashamed" of his offence and "only meant to scare" his victim.

She asked the judge to mitigate or suspend her client's sentence to reduce the knock-on effect on his young family.

Recorder Hallam said in sentencing: "I suspect you will be out by Christmas."

In the UK, offenders are typically released "on license" halfway through their prison term and monitored to the remainder of their sentence. The amount of time they spend in custody before their day in court is also deducted from their time inside.

Sentences are typically also reduced by up to a third for an immediate guilty plea.