Molly Pilkington, 30, attacked the landlord of the Travellers Rest pub in Northwich, Cheshire, after he refused to play her requested song. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, shortly after 12:30am.
Peter Coates, the pub's landlord, was pushed to the floor and struck a table during the assault. After getting up, Pilkington threw a beer glass at him before other customers intervened. Mr Coates sustained a golf ball-sized lump on the back of his head.
Violent Outburst at Pub
Prosecutor Michael Cain told Chester Magistrates Court that Pilkington asked Mr Coates to play a particular song, but he declined due to the time of night. She then argued about the music, went out to the beer garden, and returned to punch him in the face and push him to the floor.
Mr Coates could not remember what happened after falling, but when he stood up, Pilkington grabbed him by the throat. He moved towards the pool table room, where other people stepped in to stop the incident. Pilkington then tried to throw a pint glass at him, though it did not strike him.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Pilkington, of Moulton, was arrested and taken to a police station. In interview, she admitted to a 'heated argument' and pushing Mr Coates into a table, but denied punching him or throwing the glass directly at him. She claimed she threw the glass towards the pool room.
At Chester Magistrates Court, Pilkington pleaded guilty to assault. She was granted conditional bail until September 2, with conditions not to return to the pub or contact the victim. Her sentencing will take place at Chester Crown Court.
Previous Conviction and Background
The court heard Pilkington had a previous conviction from 2023 for drink driving in a Ford Focus while almost three times the alcohol limit. She was fined £450 and banned from driving for two years.
Her solicitor, Catherine Davies, said: “The court may be assisted by a pre-sentence report. That would provide more detailed information. She had been suffering with her mental health through this period and is trying to address those issues.”
Chair of the bench William Roberts warned Pilkington: “It is in your interests to co-operate with the probation service. This offence has passed the custody threshold.” The name of the song she requested was not disclosed.
