MAGISTRATES stressed to a defendant at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Aug 31) that ‘it is not a very good example of behaviour to be restrained by six officers’.
James Foulston, 19, of Brynymor Terrace in Aberystwyth, pleaded guilty to two offences. Both offences took place on August 6 at Aberystwyth, where the defendant used threatening behaviour in a public place, where he also resisted an officer in the execution of his duty.
Prosecutor Kevin Challinor addressed the court to say that on August 6 at 12.40am, officers received a call regarding a disturbance at The Angel Inn pub in Aberystwyth.
When they arrived, they saw a male on the ground being held down and handcuffed by the door staff of the pub and surrounded by a group of people.
When the officers talked to members of the staff, they said that the defendant and was told to stay out of the premises as he was drunk and proceeded to barge his way in past the door staff but was escorted back out.
The defendant then began to swing with his arm at the door staff and attempted to grab them and, at one point, tripped and fell over.
Mr Challinor added that Foulston was handcuffed by the door staff, but the defendant then tried to headbutt and bite them, and he at one point headbutted the ground.
One of the officers present tried to calm the defendant down upon arrival and was threatened by the defendant.
Foulston proceeded to lift his feet in protest as he was taken to the police vehicle and appeared very intoxicated. The defendant then tensed up, making it very difficult for the officers to move him and then proceeded to lash out at the officers with his legs.
Mr Challinor concluded by telling that court that six officers were asked to assist in restraining the defendant and, after placing him in a caged police vehicle, Foulston still continued his threatening behaviour.
Defending, Alison Mathias told the court that on behalf of the defendant, she apologised to the court for his behaviour. When interviewed, the defendant could not remember the incident and could not deny nor confirm what happened.
Ms Mathias added that the defendant acknowledged he was highly intoxicated and when he lost his wallet on the night in question and was refused entry at The Angel Inn pub, his emotions were on a high.
As a result, Foulston accepts the evidence of being restrained due to not remembering, and has not had much experience in an adult court.
Magistrates imposed a Band C fine of £120 for each offence and a total of £120 in court costs.
Foulston has also been given a ban ofthree months from licensed premises, namely The Angel Inn pub in Aberystwyth.
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