The Pub Landlord Who Refused to Back Down: The Murder of Christian Thornton | Ep. 256

The Pub Landlord Who Refused to Back Down: The Murder of Christian Thornton | Ep. 256

From British Murders with Stuart Blues by Stuart Blues

June 17, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 256

About this episode

This episode examines the murder of pub landlord Christian Thornton and the events leading to his fatal confrontation.

On the afternoon of August 11, 2019, customers at a popular pub in Widnes watched as landlord Christian Thornton confronted a man he had recently barred from the premises. For Chris, it was part of the job. As the long-serving landlord of the Hammer and Pincers, he had spent years looking after customers, serving pints, organising charity events, and helping make his pub a cornerstone of the local community. But what began as a routine confrontation would end in a shocking act of violence that devastated his family and sent shockwaves through Cheshire and beyond. Known affectionately as "Tigger", Chris was a devoted husband to Pam, a father of three young children, and one of the most recognisable faces in Widnes. Friends described him as kind, funny and always willing to help others. Whether he was supporting local musicians, raising money for charity, serving a cold beer to regulars or cheering on his children's sporting achievements, Chris was a man who put people first. His murder left not only a grieving family, but an entire town struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man who meant so much to so many. In this episode of British Murders with Stuart Blues , we examine…

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