Defendant turns up to court drunk ... to answer drunk and disorderly charge

Richard Rollett (44) of Selborne Street, Eastwood, was reprimanded by the District Judge for Rotherham, Mr John Foster, for being "extremely inebriated" and for dozing off in the public gallery.

Rollett was put in the cells to sober up and was hauled in front of the judge again during the afternoon court session when he apologised for his behaviour.

Judge Foster accepted his apology and said he would not charge him for being in contempt of court.

The defendant admitted the original charge of being drunk and disorderly in College Road, Masbrough, on May 10.

Ms June Allen, prosecuting, said police officers found the recovering heroin addict in the street very drunk and he said he was going to return to Lidl to get his sherry.

When he refused to leave he was arrested.

Ms Helen Wragg, mitigating, said her client had got his heroin habit under control but was now substituting it with alcohol.

Judge Foster asked him if he had any family, to which Rollett replied: "Not any that will have anything to do with me."

Judge Foster answered: "It's a shocking state isn't it, 44-years-old, none of your family will talk to you, you are killing yourself, do you want to make 50 or are you not bothered?"

Rollett answered: "Of course I am."

Judge Foster added: "Well start doing something about your drinking."

Rollett replied: "Yes OK, I have just got off the drugs."

He was fined £125, with £50 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.