COURAGEOUS customers at a North Yorkshire social club have been praised - after they restrained a weapon-wielding man.

Malcolm Paul Johnson assaulted a customer in a social club on East Parade, Harrogate, last February. He left the club but later returned carrying an imitation firearm - an air pistol - and a machete.

A number of people drinking at the bar intervened and disarmed him, eventually managing to get him away and the victim to safety. Police officers found and arrested Johnson a short time later.

Johnson, 52, of Dragon Parade, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a knife in a public place, affray and assault when he appeared at York Crown Court on Friday. He was jailed for four years and banned from driving.

Det Con Rebecca Prentice said: “Members of the public displayed great courage in restraining Johnson, eventually managing to get him away and the victim to safety.

"They did this not knowing whether the gun was, in fact, real or not – putting themselves in potential danger to assist someone else.”