A man has been fined £250 after he was found drunk, lying on the ground outside St Ninian’s High School.

Richard Alan Kewley appeared in court via video link from police headquarters after being arrested on a warrant when he failed to appear in court on Tuesday, August 18.

The 60-year-old admitted being drunk and disorderly and was also banned from entering licensed premises, and buying or being sold alcohol for three months.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court police were called to the school on August 14 at 10pm after members of the public reported a man lying on the ground.

When officers arrived they found Kewley, who lives in Tynwald Road, Douglas, still on the ground with a shopping bag full of alcohol beside him.

He was asked why he was on the ground and said: ’Because I’m drunk.’

When asked if he wanted help he said ’yes’ but once police helped him up he became abusive, swearing at officers and saying: ’I’m going to report you. I’m going to get you. Just leave me alone.’

arrested

He was eventually arrested and taken to police headquarters.

The court heard that he has previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly and provoking behaviour in 2019 and two further drunk and disorderly offences in 2017.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said that his client was not interviewed by police, but had he been, he would have required an appropriate adult with him. Mr Wood said that this was not a criticism of the police but that he was just highlighting that Mr Kewley had difficulties.

’Clearly he has got himself into a bit of a state,’ said the advocate.

’Clearly officers were just trying to assist and he’s been a bit effy and jeffy with them.

’There seems to have been some disruption in his social circle which has led to feelings of isolation and loneliness.’

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith said that he was taking into account the fact that Kewley had spent a night in custody after being arrested for failing to turn up for court.

He was also ordered to pay £100 prosecution costs which he will pay along with his fine at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.