A man who slashed a fellow pub-goer with a knife, leaving a deep wound to his ear, and later subjected his former partner to a campaign of violence and threats has been jailed for four years.
Pub Attack in Toxteth
Joseph McClean-Evans, 28, from Dingle, was at the Queens Arms pub on Admiral Street in Toxteth on February 28 last year. CCTV footage showed him wearing a white shirt, black tie, flat cap, and slippers before being gestured into a side room by John Cassell, who had been playing a slot machine. The pair briefly disappeared from view, then returned engaged in a heated conversation. McClean-Evans was pushed and punched to the floor before being kicked. He then produced a knife from his pocket, stood up, and slashed Mr Cassell, causing a deep wound to his left ear. Police attended, but Mr Cassell refused to wait for an ambulance or make a formal complaint.
Arrest and Initial Release
Officers arrested McClean-Evans as he tried to leave in a taxi, appearing under the influence of alcohol and drugs, with blood specks on his clothing and wearing only one slipper. A black multitool was recovered near the pub car park. He claimed self-defence and was released pending further investigation.
Threats and Assault on Ex-Partner
On the evening of September 21, 2025, McClean-Evans went to the home of his former partner and mother of his two children. After a disagreement, he was asked to leave but bombarded her with calls until 2am. At 3am, she woke to find him outside, threatening to "ruin her life," shoot and rape family members, and burn down her mother's house. He eventually gained entry, armed with a flick knife, and punched her in the head. She recorded further threats, including his admission that he would go to jail.
Previous Convictions and Defence
McClean-Evans had 15 previous convictions for 33 offences, including wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in 2019. His defence counsel, Carmel Wilde, stated he suffers from ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia, and struggled with anxiety and bereavements during the pandemic. She noted the relationship was on-off and he reacted disgracefully to news of infidelity, asking the judge to give him "some light at the end of the tunnel."
Sentence and Restraining Order
McClean-Evans admitted unlawful wounding, possession of a bladed article, and harassment. He failed to attend the hearing after declining transport from prison. Judge Simon Medland KC sentenced him to four years in jail and imposed a 10-year restraining order banning contact with his former partner. The judge noted that while Mr Cassell initiated the violence, McClean-Evans's response with a knife was disproportionate, and his behaviour towards his ex-partner was "truly disgusting and unacceptable." The judge added that unlawful drugs have a significant impact on him, leading to threatening and violent behaviour, and that his ex-partner remains terrified.
