Man Found Unfit to Plead Over Brutal Greenwich Pub Stabbing
66-Year-Old Bernard McDonald Linked to Violent Stabbing
A 66-year-old man, Bernard McDonald, was identified by a jury as the man who stabbed another outside the Star and Garter pub in Greenwich on August 1, 2021. The attack left the victim with serious injuries requiring urgent hospital care.
Judge Rules McDonald Unfit to Plead
McDonald was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm and carrying a knife in public. However, in February 2024, Woolwich Crown Court declared him unfit to plead. Instead, a trial of the facts was held to determine whether he committed the offences.
The jury confirmed McDonald did cause grievous bodily harm and possessed the knife during the incident.
Sentencing is set for May 2024.
Pub Shutdown After Incident Sparks Safety Concerns
Following the stabbing, the Star and Garter pub had its licence revoked and was forced to close. Police revealed that the pub’s staff failed to contact them about the violence and lacked proper measures to stop the brawl. Critically, no CCTV cameras were working during the attack, raising serious questions about the venue’s security.
New Owners Reopen Pub with Promises of Safety
In November 2022, Greenwich Council granted a new licence. Three lifelong friends took over and reopened the venue as the “Star of Greenwich.” They vowed to preserve the pub’s community spirit and provide a safe, welcoming environment for all customers — a fresh start for a troubled local hotspot.
