Thug Ben Cronshaw Jailed Over Brutal Knife Attack and Pub Brawl
Ben Cronshaw, 24, has been locked up for a savage stabbing and a vicious pub attack last year. The dangerous offender played a key role in a three-on-one assault outside the Royal Oak pub in Clayton-le-Moors back in October 2020.
Violent Rampage Outside Royal Oak
Cronshaw joined forces with David Osbaldeston, 28, and Aaron Walsh, 24, in a chaotic attack. The trouble kicked off when pub landlady’s partner, Terry Burt, stepped outside to break up the fight. The trio then threatened Burt with a knife. As they left, Osbaldeston hurled a brick at Burt’s head, while Walsh also threw a brick near the pub. Cronshaw wasn’t innocent either in the violence spree.
Burt, 50, was left with a nasty head injury that needed stitches.
Stabbing Linked to Car Crime and Fraud
The stabbing incident took place on July 3, 2021. The victim, a man in his 30s, confronted Cronshaw after discovering he’d broken into his partner’s car and stolen her bank card. Cronshaw used the card to commit fraud at a nearby off-licence.
The victim first tried to speak to Cronshaw at a friend’s house but later encountered him on Hereford Road, Blackburn. An argument broke out, with Cronshaw threatening to send Osbaldeston after him. Suddenly, the victim felt a tap on his back and later found he’d been stabbed.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Cronshaw, from Edward Street, Rishton, denied being at the stabbing scene but was caught after CCTV showed otherwise. He claimed the item in his hand was a Bunsen burner—not a knife. He pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding, theft from a motor vehicle, fraud by false representation, and possessing a bladed article in public.
He was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison, with an extra two years extended licence, as the judge deemed him a dangerous offender.
Walsh pleaded guilty to violent disorder and got 32 months, served alongside the wounding sentence. Osbaldeston and Walsh were already serving a combined 27 years and three months for their roles in the Royal Oak attack.
Police Speak Out on Brutality
“The shocking and excessive use of violence by Cronshaw and his co-defendants could quite easily have resulted in somebody being killed. Their actions were both reckless and cowardly, especially considering the fact the victims in both cases were unarmed,” said DC Liam Jarman, East CID.
“I am pleased Cronshaw has been given this significant custodial sentence and I hope he—and Osbaldeston and Walsh—reflect on how truly appalling their actions were,” he added.
DS Steve Munro praised his team: “The behaviour of Cronshaw, Osbaldeston and Walsh has no place on the streets of Lancashire. If you arm yourself with a weapon, you will either end up seriously or fatally injured or in custody.”
