Court shows mercy for bereaved homeless man after fracas

Magistrates have taken sympathy on a bereaved homeless man who had been abusive and threatening to security staff and police.
Pictured is Beetwell Street, Chesterfield.Pictured is Beetwell Street, Chesterfield.
Pictured is Beetwell Street, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, March 28, how Graham Green, 57, of No Fixed Abode, was abusive to security staff on Beetwell Street, in Chesterfield, before squaring up to police.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “Officers attended a report of a man being abusive to security staff. He was shouting and swearing and gritting his teeth as officers approached and he pulled his head back and there was a fear he was going to headbutt an officer.”

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Green, who has previous convictions including drunk and disorderly offences, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour after the incident on March 10.

The defendant said: “I’m very sorry. My son died about a month ago.”

He added: “I have been sleeping at the bus shelter at Chesterfield and I did not have a home before that.”

Magistrates told Green they had sympathy for the loss of his son and opted to impose a 12 month conditional discharge.

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But they warned that if he re-offends in the next 12 months he will be re-sentenced for the threatening behaviour matter.

Green, who already owes £930 in outstanding fines to the court, was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge but given his financial plight the magistrates chose not to impose any legal costs upon the defendant.