BBC television presenter Ashley Blake has been warned he faces a jail sentence after a jury today found him guilty of wounding a teenager with a wooden pole.
The 40-year old newsreader was convicted of striking 17-year old Greg Jones in the face after an 18th birthday party being held at The Place 2 B in Sutton Coldfield on Chester Road.
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court also found the Midlands Today presenter guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice by throwing the patio umbrella pole away to hide it from police after the incident in the early hours of January 25. He was acquitted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
Judge Peter Carr warned Birmingham-born Blake who used to co-own the bar with partner Jessica Hayes, that prison was the most likely outcome.
He said: "The jury have convicted you of a serious offence involving the wounding of a young man. The almost inevitable outcome for a case such as this is a prison sentence. I warn you that this is the most likely outcome."
A jury of seven men and five women returned the verdict following a one week trial. He was bailed until sentencing on September 2.
Greg Jones, now 18 was not in court to hear the verdict today but his father Steven Jones said: "I am pleased that Ashley Blake got what he deserves. He lied to police and lied on several occasions. The judge has done his job. We hope the sentence reflects the crime.
"My son is walking around with a scar for the rest of his life. He would not come to court today. For obvious reasons - he is upset."
Leaving court with Ms Hayes, Blake said: "There are no words to describe how I am feeling. I am absolutely gutted. All because I did a favour for someone to host their birthday party.
"It’s all over isn’t it? My job, everything."
