AN ABERYSTWYTH man who damaged a police car and swore at police officers while drunk was “airing his frustrations”.
Simon Howell, of Yr Hafan, 8 Princess Street, pleaded guilty to criminal damage on 21 November after he struck the police car as it stopped at a junction. A separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon - a marble egg in a sock - was withdrawn by prosecutor Kevin Challinor.
Mr Challinor said 49-year-old Howell had seen the police car as it was
stopped at a ‘give way’ sign in Princess Street at around 12.50am.
Officers in the car heard a loud bang and saw the car’s wing mirror fall off before Howell started hurling abuse at them. They then heard another loud bang before getting out of the car and arresting Howell, who officers ruled was drunk.
Following his arrest Howell said he had “temporarily lost his sanity”
while drunk.
Alison Mathias, defending Howell, said he accepts swearing at the police officers, but said he had been going through a difficult time and had spent a number of years living in temporary accommodation which had caused him frustration. Howell has since found permanent accommodation.
Ms Mathias said: “He accepts he’d consumed alcohol and wanted to air his frustrations.”
She added that Howell had apologised to police following his interview
at the police station.
Howell was fined £73 and will pay compensation of £126.77 to the police. He must also pay costs of £105 and a court charge of £150.