A man has been fined for being obstructive and abusive towards police and paramedics the day after his 40th birthday.
Police had first dealt with Joseph Sessford, now 40, on December 4, when they were called to an unrelated incident involving him.
Sessford was heard to be shouting and swearing in a public place within earshot of other people. He was warned numerous times about his conduct, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today.
But while outside a hospital, as Sessford continued to swear close to other members of the public, he was given a final warning and then arrested when his bad behaviour did not stop.
Sessford was then on bail when he committed a second offence in Carlisle on February 3 — a day after he turned 40.
Police were alerted by North West Ambulance Service staff to an unconscious man lying in the middle of a road. During the call it was said the man, Sessford, was causing a nuisance and had run off.
He was found 30 minutes later, half a mile away, and was detained to prevent him escaping. “He was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were glazed,” said prosecutor Diane Jackson.
He was offered help by police and paramedics. But he responded by first banging his head against the side of an ambulance stretcher, and then kicking out at officers after he was removed from the emergency vehicle. He was arrested.
In court, Sessford admitted charges of using threatening words or behaviour in respect of the December offence, and being drunk and disorderly on February 3.
Sessford, now of Highgate, Kendal, told magistrates: “Sorry about my behaviour. I was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time.”
He said he had recently moved into accommodation in Kendal which provides assistance to addicts. He confirmed that he was trying to address his substance misuse.
Sessford was fined a total of £160 for the two offences, and ordered to pay court costs.
