A MAN who became abusive and un-cooperative at two of his community service sessions has been told that he had avoided jail “by the narrowest of margins”.
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke instead added an extra 20 hours to David Rathmill’s existing community service order – but warned him that he may face prison if there is another breach.
Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam, prosecuting, told the Magistrate’s Court that Rathmill (49) was previously sentenced to 90 hours of community service for driving without a valid licence and without insurance.
But she said that there had been “two abusive outbursts” towards supervisors at the work sessions.
Rathmill admitted breaching the order and Advocate Chris Baglin, defending, said: “Mr Rathmill extends his sincere apologies.”
The lawyer added that Rathmill acted as carer to his elderly mother.
The Assistant Magistrate said for that reason he was not going to revoke the order and replace it with a jail sentence.
He told Rathmill: “If you fail to comply with an order or engage in abusive behaviour, you can expect to have your order revoked.
“By the narrowest of margins I have decided to continue your order.”
