Dad's birthday night out ends in police cells

Alan Devine drank up to 20 shots of vodka as he celebrated his 35th birthday in Sunderland city centre, South Northumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

“The first spitting incident happened at the Cooper Rose pub in Albion Place,” said Glenda Beck, prosecuting.

“Devine had been in the pub in the late afternoon when he had been rowdy and told to leave, but he returned a few hours later.

“There was argument with a female member of staff during which he spat in her face.

“Police were called and Devine was taken to Southwick police station.

“He became agitated again in a holding cell, spitting at an officer, the spittle landing on the officer’s trousers.”

The court heard Devine later told police he respected women, but knew he was rowdy after drinking.

Devine, 35, of Smith Street, Ryhope, admitted common assault and assaulting a police officer, both on September 16.

Joanne Gaetens, defending, said: “It has been accepted the assault on the barmaid was reckless, rather than intentional.

“Mr Devine was shouting and behaving unpleasantly, but he didn’t intend to spit at her.

“He is already on a community order and has been doing well on it.

“Mr Devine is the sole carer of his two children, aged 13 and nine, and he has not told them about today’s hearing.

“A prison sentence would punish them as much as it would him.”

Devine was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 80 hours of community work.

He must pay £285 in fines and compensation, and he must keep out of the Cooper Rose pub for two years.