Sunderland alcoholic facing months behind bars for flouting court order again

Magistrates told Graham Powell, of the Salvation Army hostel, in Cairo Street, Hendon, Sunderland, they had insufficient powers to jail him for his latest infringement.

Powell, who appeared in the dock at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, heard the starting point for his repeat crime was one year's imprisonment.

Brian Parkinson, chair of the bench, said the defendant’s jail time could be reduced to eight months due to his guilty plea.

But he referred the case to Newcastle Crown Court, which has greater sentencing powers, for a second hearing on July 13.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck said Powell had attended his former partner’s home in Neville Road, Millfield, Sunderland, at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 13, in breach of an earlier restraining order.

Police were informed after the woman, who was not at home at the time, was alerted.

Mrs Beck added: “The relationship broke down because of domestic violence.

“He asked if she was in. He was told no and he asked if he could ring her. The son rang his mum, who told the defendant to get lost.

“During interview the defendant said he hadn’t been to the address. He said that the statement was made up. He’s admitted it in court.”

The court heard Powell also breached the 18-month order twice last July and once in August.

Tom Morgan, defending, said: “Mr Powell instructs me that he’s had problems with alcohol since being a much younger man.

“Recently, he’s lost his father and he’s been drinking huge amounts of alcohol. His physical appearance has declined significantly in a matter of months.

“He’s drinking a phenomenal amount of alcohol daily and he accepts that he needs to do something about that.

“There was no suggestion of unpleasantness on his part. The complainant in this case is the son, not the woman.”

Mr Parkinson said: “We have a starting point of one year in custody. We can find no mitigating circumstances that could possibly drop this down to a community sentence level.”

Powell, 44, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

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