The landlord of a pub on the Harrow Road has been jailed for raping a man who fell asleep in his bar.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The Prince of Wales pub in Harrow RoadThe Prince of Wales pub in Harrow Road (Image: Archant)

John Michael Coyne, 56, the landlord of the Prince of Wales, was sentenced to nine years for oral rape and engaging in sexual activity without consent.

He had been found guilty earlier in the hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court of the offences he committed against his 25-year-old victim at the pub in the early hours Sunday, October 13 last year.

The court heard how the victim had been on a night out with friends after finishing work on Saturday, October 12, and ended the night at Coyne’s pub where he fell asleep on a sofa.

The male victim woke at around 3am the following morning to find Coyne assaulting him.

Coyne ran off and the victim called police, and the landlord was arrested.

Police officers seized CCTV from the pub that captured Coyne committing his offences, and he was charged the next day.

After the sentencing Detective Constable Neil Hume, the officer in the case, said: “Coyne abused his position as a landlord of a pub to take advantage of an unconscious customer and showed no remorse. I would applaud the victim’s bravery attending court and hope that the sentence sends out a clear message.”

Detective Inspector Neil Smithson, the senior investigating officer, added: “The Metropolitan Police are committed to prosecuting sexual offenders. Coyne preyed on an unconscious customer whilst in his own pub and I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim at the hands of Coyne to come forward.”