A 36-YEAR-OLD man who “behaved in an appalling way” has been sentenced to 90 hours’ community service and nine months’ probation for six offences, including failing to obey the police and assault.
Thomas Clark was also banned from licensed premises for the next nine months.
The Magistrate’s Court heard that Clark – who has a history of convictions for violence – committed the most recent offences in the space of three months.
St Helier Centenier Paul Huelin, prosecuting, said the first offence happened on 11 November at the Royal Yacht when door staff refused him entrance.
“There was a heated verbal argument and some pushing and shoving,” Mr Huelin said.
Police officers attended the scene and told Clark to leave the area, but he failed to obey their instructions.
Mr Huelin added that, on 13 January, Clark was told to leave a house by the householder but refused – and again refused when the police were summoned.
On 26 January, he punched a man, hitting him on the side of the head. Later that evening he was found with cannabis and the class C drug diazepam.
Clark was also guilty of causing a breach of the peace by fighting on the same night.
Advocate Julia-Anne Dix, defending, said Clark had been drinking at the time of all the offences and added: “When he is in drink he makes very silly choices.
“He is thoroughly embarrassed by his actions, and was mortified when he saw the policebody-worn camera footage.”
She argued against a prison sentence, saying: “He is aware that the court’s patience is being tested. But he has never been sentenced to probation before.”
Passing sentence, the Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, told Clark: “You have behaved in an appalling way.
“When you get drunk you are vulnerable to behaving in a much worse way. You should have controlled your drinking.”
