by Emily Griffin
A convicted rapist, who performed as a magician in venues around Leicester, has been barred from a popular student pub.
Local magician Craig Myers, also known as ‘Young Zeus’ or ‘Logan’ has been barred from the New Road Inn, after information surrounding his criminal past came to light.
Myers, thought to be in his twenties, was convicted of rape in 2021 after admitting to the charges in Peterborough Crown Court.
He was sentenced to 54-months in a Young Offenders Institution and since his release, has been performing magic on the streets of Leicester, using local pubs as venues.
Myers performed in the New Road Inn, a popular pub with university societies, on Welford Road on a number of occasions, promoting the pub on social media and with branded t-shirts.
The New Road Inn has since barred Myers from entering and has cut all ties with him.
They said in a statement: “We at the New Road Inn are horrified to hear that the individual we knew by the name of Logan is a convicted sex criminal.
“We have been made aware that this individual is actually named Craig Myers.
“On learning this information, Craig Myers is no longer welcome at our venue with immediate effect.
“Our staff have been advised to remove him from the venue should he try to enter the premises.
“This individual does not work for the New Road Inn; he is a free-lance magician that has been visiting local pubs and bars across Leicester using an alternative name”
The New Road Inn went on to say: “Here at the New Road Inn we want all customers and staff to feel safe and comfortable at all times, and we take seriously any threats from any individuals that might cause distress.
“The safety of our customers, staff, students and the wider community is our priority, please rest assured that the New Road Inn does not tolerate any and all instances of sexual violence or violence.”
The Cocktail Society at the University of Leicester is pleased with the action taken by the pub after one of their members was approached and contacted online by Myers for a potential booking.
Isis Kennedy-Hart, president of the Society, said: “We’re really happy with the response from both New Road Inn and other bars in Leicester because we were very worried when it first came up as all of our members go to these bars often and we want to prioritise their safety.
“Were also really happy to know that these venues will response quickly and well when an issue like this comes up.”