Richard Smithwick, a 67-year-old landlord who operated numerous pubs and clubs across Liverpool and Lancashire, lunged at his wife with an eight-inch kitchen knife after claiming he was going to "deal with her." The incident occurred in October 2022 at the family home in Rainhill, but Liverpool Crown Court heard that the couple's relationship had been marred by a history of "demeaning behaviour" on Smithwick's part.
Background and Estrangement
Smithwick and his wife married in 1982 and had two daughters and a son. They operated several pubs together, including The Ship (1994-1999), the Derby Lodge in Huyton, and The Victoria Hotel on Warrington Road. In 2015, Smithwick left the family home to run the White Bull Hotel in Ribchester, Lancashire, and had no contact with his wife until 2022.
Prosecutor Matthew Conway told the court: "The victim invited the defendant to move back due to a decline in his mental health. But after years of estrangement, even after the generous gesture of the victim, tensions remained high."
Sinister Text and Attack
In October 2022, Smithwick sent a message to his son saying: "Don't come back here, it's not a place where my granddaughter should be. I'll be dealing with your mother when she arrives." When his wife and son returned home, Smithwick, who had been drinking heavily, ordered his son to leave. He then confronted his wife, shouting: "You f***ing caused this. You've turned my whole f***ing family against me."
Mr Conway said: "The defendant was standing in the kitchen with his arms crossed. He then picked up a large kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade and charged towards the victim. His son intervened and wrestled the knife away from him."
Second Incident and Victim Impact
A second incident occurred on May 16, 2025, when Smithwick returned from holiday and began questioning his wife about household items like the air fryer and exercise bike. During the argument, he approached her with a raised fist and placed his other hand on her shoulder.
In a victim impact statement, Smithwick's wife said: "The largest impact has been to my confidence, which has been shattered. Previously I was a strong, resilient person. For years this strength helped me to deal with my husband's abuse, although in so many ways it was a nightmare." She added: "Slowly my life existed in a smaller and smaller place. Previously the house had been a family meeting place, however due to my husband's aggression my children and grandchildren didn't feel comfortable around him and wouldn't come over. I became increasingly isolated."
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Smithwick, of Tarbock Green in Prescot, pleaded guilty to threatening someone with an offensive weapon in a private place and assault. He had one previous conviction for drink driving in June 2022.
Defence barrister Brendan Carville said: "He is 67 years of age. Up to 2022 he was a man of good character, a man who held responsibilities, jobs in public houses and nightclubs. Though behind the scene things weren't good in the marital situation." He noted that the knife incident occurred when Smithwick was "very, very drunk" and that he suffers from poor physical and mental health.
Sentencing Smithwick, Recorder Eric Lamb said: "You said to (the victim) 'you f***ing caused this, you've turned the whole f***ing family against me'. You should understand the person who has turned your family against you is you, by your conduct, and the way you were behaving." He imposed a total of 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 20 rehabilitation days, a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, a programme requirement, and a restraining order prohibiting contact with his wife.
