A drunken man who bit a pub landlord and knocked a pensioner off a barstool has been told to get himself a job in the next six months or face prison.
Michael Barr, 38, appeared at Worcester Crown Court for sentence after admitting two counts of criminal damage, actual bodily harm and assault by beating, following a heavy drinking session at the Red Lion in Weobley.
After reading a Probation Service report which showed Barr had held down long periods of employment and got himself off hard drugs Judge Patrick Thomas told him: “I expect you to make efforts to find employment and expect you to have employment or explain why you have not. I’m putting your destiny into your own hands,” before deferring sentencing for six months.
Cathlyn Orchard, prosecuting, said on June 25 Barr had spent many hours at the pub and other customers were taking exception to him smoking, swearing and shouting. A 71-year-old man complained to him and was pushed over.
When he was told to leave by the landlord Barr became angry and smashed a pane of glass by kicking a door and, as the landlord confronted him, he bit his arm, drawing blood.
After being evicted he threw a pot plant which damaged the publican’s car.
Joanna Lewis, defending, said Barr, of no fixed address, said he had just been evicted from the home of his mother and stepfather.
She said: “He was feeling very low and was on anti-depressants.”
She added that new anti-depressants had been prescribed and these reacted badly with Barr. “Unfortunately they had an effect on him and his behaviour was not as it should be. He is very sorry for his behaviour on that day and he is very sorry for the damage he caused.”
