Sunderland man fined after police are called to 2am city centre disturbance

Jamie Campbell, 45, verbally turned on police called to Borough Road to deal with a noise issue caused by late night revellers.

Campbell, of Victoria Place, Hendon, shouted and swore and then acted aggressively, leading to his arrest, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

His antics in the early hours of October 11 led to his first court appearance since July 2012 and left him £141 out of pocket in fines and costs.

Prosecutor James Gallagher said: “Police had cause to attend after reports of a male and female causing issues and being abusive towards members of the public.

“They sighted the male and attempted to engage with him and the female, but the male continued to shout and swear.

“They could smell alcohol and the male’s eyes were glazed, he was slurring his words and was unsteady on his feet. He was drunk.

“He continued with his disorderly behaviour and he was aggressive and so was arrested.

“He has 19 previous convictions from 40 offences and his last conviction was in July 2012. He’s been out of trouble for some time.”

Gerry Armstrong, defending, said he was disappointed to see Campbell, who pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in public, back before a court.

Mr Armstrong added: “He is here after almost 15 years of keeping out of trouble. He wishes to apologise to the officers and the court.

“It’s one of those situations at 2am where someone rings the police to say there’s trouble in the street.

“Mr Campbell was very upset about what happened. A few minutes beforehand, a woman was there and there had been members of the public.

“He had moved to protect her, but he was the one who got himself arrested. He should have calmed down.

“He was taken to a police station and released after eight hours. He assures me that nothing like this will happen again.”

Magistrates fined Campbell £40, with £85 court costs and a £16 victim surcharge.