A pensioner who blasted pepper spray towards a man during a row in a car park has been given a conditional discharge by a judge.
Paul Eldridge, now aged 83, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today following an incident outside the Maryport branch of B&M Bargains on March 18, 2021.
The complainant had left his vehicle and an altercation continued as he approached Eldridge to say that he wanted an apology. There had previously been some unpleasantness about who was manoeuvring in what manner in the car park, said prosecutor Brendan Burke. He added: “The defendant produced a small canister of spray.”
This pepper spray was first engaged by Eldridge when the man’s back was turned and he felt it landing on him. Some spray had remained in the atmosphere, gone up his nose and, said Mr Burke, he described a little burning sensation and tingling. Eldridge then released the remaining spray on to the ground.
When brought to court he pleaded guilty to possession a prohibited weapon — the pepper spray — and also a public order offence.
As he passed sentence, Recorder Ciaran Rankin said he had considered a probation service pre-sentence report and medical notes attesting to the defendant’s underlying physical health difficulties which were ongoing.
Recorder Rankin imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning no further action will be taken unless a new offence is committed during that period of time. But the judge told him he had been involved in an unpleasant exchange in the car park.
Eldridge, of Rook Farm Close, Tallentire, near Cockermouth, must pay £100 prosecution costs.
