Nuisance Mark Herron turned away from court - after being spotted in Sunderland city fountain

Mark Herron, 49, declared last week that he was turning over a new leaf.

But Herron, of Grosvenor Street, Southwick, was refused entry by security staff yesterday, when he was due to appear again before Sunderland magistrates.

He had been bailed to answer a charge of going onto the playing area at the Stadium of Light, on May 11.

Herron was one of a number of arrests after Sunderland’s crucial Everton win last month.

His solicitor Jason Smith told the court: “He was spotted lying in the fountain outside, because of the state he is in.

“If he did come into court, he would likely fall asleep on the floor or defecate on the floor.”

Mr Smith added that he was surprised that Herron was so drunk, as he had spent the night in police custody, having been arrested on an unrelated matter the previous evening.

“I’m quite surprised that he is in such a state already today,” Mr Smith added.

“He is quite willing to come into court but he is being prevented from doing so.”

Prosecutor Rebecca Laverick said: “If he is not in a fit state to come into court that is of his own doing.”

Bench chairman Helen Midlane said: “Mr Herron is responsible for his own condition. We issue a warrant without bail.”