Man 'forgot' to attend court for drunk and disorderly charge

10:07am Tuesday 3rd July 2007

A 34-year-old Pembroke Dock man on a drunk and disorderly charge said he forgot to turn up for his court hearing when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

Steven Henry Howlett, of 25 Grove Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, changed his plea to guilty to the drunk and disorderly charge and pleaded guilty to failing to attend court in conjunction with the bail act.

Following his absense at a previous court hearing a warrant for his arrest was made on Tuesday morning and he was brought in from custody to Haverfordwest magistrates court.

The court heard how on April 15 at 4.30 pm Howlett was witnessed losing his footing and veering into the carriageway in Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

The court heard how a number of elderly people who had been attending a nearby memorial service crossed the road to avoid Howlett. Police officers approached Howlett who was having difficulty standing and one officer had to hold him up while he was questioned by police.

Howlett became agitated and aggressive when questioned and officers could smell alcohol on his breath. He was then placed into a police van.

The 34-year-old shouted and kicked out and officers became increasingly concerned he would injure himself.

The police van was forced to pull over and handcuff Howlett to prevent him from causing himself damage.

The court heard how Howlett had an unenviable criminal record and was currently not working.

Howlett was ordered to pay £260 in fines and costs for both offences.

When sentencing Howlett the Presiding magistrate said: "Now you will have very little money to get drunk on."

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