Lout blamed legal highs

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Friday how Michael Mapley, 41, of Church Street, Clowne, fell over in Cavendish Street and as police were trying to get his details his speech was slurred and he was shouting and swearing.

Prosecuting solicitor Ian Shaw said: “Police attended because there was a member of the public lashing out at others and being unco-operative with paramedics while he sat on the ground and the bus stop was busy with the public.

“One officer was trying to get his details and Mapley’s speech was slurred.”

Mapley accused officers of harassment, according to Mr Shaw, and he was swearing at them and accusing them of being fascists and he shouted at the public as he was arrested.

The defendant later told police he had taken legal highs and that was the cause of his difficulties rather than alcohol.

Mapley, who represented himself, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour after the incident on the afternoon of April 5.

He told the court: “I would like to apologise especially to witness Hayley White who was trying to help me. I would like to point out the dangers of legal highs. I had no clue they would do this to me. My behaviour was outrageous and incredibly bad.

“I had two or three drinks and was not drunk but it was the legal high that had an effect. I don’t know why I took it. I was just curious.”

Mapley also claimed that he has been seeking help from his doctor for mental health difficulties.

Magistrates fined Mapley £110 and ordered him to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.