A MAN with 36 previous offences who attacked five people – including emergency services staff “carrying out their duties” – has been sent to prison for two years.
The Royal Court heard that Glen Rhys Le Claire (32) assaulted a paramedic, a police officer, a former friend and two women in the space of four months. He also stole a bottle of whiskey from a supermarket.
Crown Advocate Luke Sette, prosecuting, said Le Claire had “a poor record of dishonesty and violence” which comprised “the full spectrum of criminality”.
On 12 May, Le Claire tried to steal a bottle of whiskey worth £34 from Morrisons in Kensington Place, by placing it down the front of his trousers.
On 31 May, he was found lying on the ground in Phillips Street and paramedics went to his aid.
Advocate Sette said: “He became immediately aggressive and said to one paramedic: ‘I’m going to punch you.’ He hit him on the right side of the face and knocked his glasses off.”
On 4 July, he was taken to police headquarters and became violent, punching an officer during attempts to put him in a cell.
Advocate Sette added that on 19 July Le Claire invited a friend to his flat, but became unexpectedly violent, punching the friend in the head, face and neck.
And on 4 August, he punched two women in his flat – and then said he was going outside to calm down.
Advocate Sette said: “He returned to the flat and apologised, and waited for the police to arrive.”
The court heard that he was considered at high risk of reconviction and Advocate Sette recommended a sentence of two years and ten months.
Advocate Estelle Burns, defending, said Le Claire had sustained a brain injury in a road accident at 18, causing “a negative reaction to alcohol”.
She continued: “All the assaults occurred when Mr Le Claire was intoxicated which made him react in an unpredictable manner.”
But she added that he had no plans to stop drinking, saying: “It is something he feels he is unable to manage without.”
Le Claire also spoke on his own behalf from the dock, saying: “I do apologise for this.”
But Lieutenant Bailiff Anthony Olsen told him: “Intoxication is no excuse for your behaviour. Indeed it is an aggravating factor.”
Following the sentencing, police chief Robin Smith said: “Assaulting emergency workers while carrying out their duties on behalf of Islanders is a serious offence. This sentence should serve as a clear deterrent.”
Jurats Averty and Le Cornu were sitting.
