Sunderland man swore at police while bleeding from nose and eye outside pub on Christmas Day

Jason Devlin, 23, was less than festive to officers outside the Grey Horse, Penshaw Lane, Penshaw, close to midnight, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

It was claimed Devlin, of Ennerdale Crescent, Penshaw, had been attacked and lost his temper when they failed to act against the alleged aggressor.

Prosecutor Lee Poppet told the court Devlin was heard by police to shout, “It’s him, it’s him, he’s attacked me”.

Mr Poppett added: “Officers approached Mr Devlin and he told them ‘**** off’. He’s drunk and he again says to officers ‘**** off’.”

Jason Smith, defending, said: “It’s a simple issue. The situation was that Mr Devlin was the victim of an assault, that was the crux of the matter why police were called in the first place.

“He was the victim of quite a vicious assault. He was in the highest state of anxiety, he was bleeding from the nose and eye.

“He felt that they weren’t doing enough to apprehend this man. The police had told this man to go away. He apologies profusely.”

District Judge Natalie Wortley told Devlin: “When police were called to the Grey Horse, you are outside, saying that you had been attacked. You were abusive to them. I accept that you are remorseful.”

Devlin, who pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £50 court costs and a £21 victim surcharge.