Sunderland serial nuisance Mark Herron convicted of 476th drink-related crime

The 50-year-old, who frequently attends police stations in a bid to be arrested and get a bed for the night, did not attend Sunderland Magistrates’ Court and was dealt with in his absence.

Having already notched up 280 convictions for 475 offences the long-term alcoholic found himself back in trouble yet again.

Prosecutor Laura Johnson said his latest offence to be dealt with was a drunk and disorderly at Southwick Police Station on April 24.

Ms Johnson said an officer was asked to go to the front office and remove Herron due to his behaviour.

“He was intoxicated and was behaving in an abusive manner in the presence of members of the public in the police station,” she said.

“He was asked to leave and immediately became aggressive and shouted abuse.

“He was repeatedly warned about his conduct and behaviour as it was causing distress to other people in the waiting area.

“We was warned not to go back inside or he would be arrested. Well, he did.”

Herron, of Petersfield Road, Pennywell, was found guilty of drunk and disorderly behaviour in his absence,

Ian Cassidy, defending, said: “The record may not be up to date.

“I think there was a further matter of drunk and disorderly in the last fortnight.”

He added: “I would discourage you from imposing any more conditional discharges as it is causing more trouble than it’s worth for Mr Herron.”

He was fined £60 with £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

On one occasion last year, Herron was turned away from court by security to stop him falling asleep or defecating on the floor, after he was seen lying in the fountain in Keel Square, according to defence solicitor Jason Smith, who represented him at the time.