Alcoholic could not find court

An alcoholic was two hours late for a court appearance this week because all of his previous visits to Mansfield Magistrates’ had been in the back of a prison van.
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Andrew Colin Peter Warne (49) was due to appear before Mansfield Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Thursday, 18th September for theft and public order offences.

But when he finally arrived at lunchtime he told the bench that all of his previous visits to the court had been via police custody and had spent two hours looking for the court house.

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He said: “The only time I have been here before was when I was in custody.

“I’m new to the area and I didn’t know my way around.”

Warne pleaded guilty to stealing shower gel from a branch of Lloyd’s Pharmacy on 4th September, which he then sold the purchase alcohol, the court heard.

He was later discovered in a drunken stupor and shouting abuse at people, the court heard.

Warne was eventually challenged by BID worker David Dowson and threatened violence against him, the court heard.

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The court was told that Warne had a long history with alcohol abuse and had been jailed on three occasions this year for drink-related incidents.

Since moving to Mansfield a year ago he had been living rough, but had recently been taken in by Framework, in Sherwood Street.

He was also seeking medical help for his drinking, the court heard.

Warne admitted shop theft and threatening behaviour when he appeared before the court.

His case was adjourned for two weeks to allow him to meet specialist probation alcohol workers.

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