Drunk man attacked court guards

A “HEAVILY intoxicated” man who assaulted two security guards on his way into court has been jailed.

Gareth Gadsby was said to have been drinking because of personal problems, including having had a 2.5kg tumour removed from his chest during cancer treatment.

But a court heard he had been given several chances to rehabilitate himself after previous offending.

He was jailed for a total of 20 weeks.

Gadsby (pictured), 41, of Y Garth, Llanerchymedd, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against security guards Chris Howarth and Edward Jones at Caernarfon Justice Centre in an incident on November 4. He also admitted using threatening or abusive behaviour.

Prosecutor Diane Williams said Gadsby arrived for a hearing but was told by staff to keep the noise down. He demanded his case be heard and became abusive.

He was asked to leave, and was escorted outside by two security officers. But Gadsby hit Mr Howarth on the arm and pressed his head against Mr Howarth in a “threatening” manner. Staff left his belongings on the ground for him to collect. Minutes later, the court heard, Gadsby returned. This time, Mr Jones escorted him outside, but Gadsby “lifted his clenched fist” towards the security guard.

Police were alerted but he told officers to “f*** off”.

Deborah TennantDavies, defending, said her client was deeply ashamed and remorseful. He had been “heavily intoxicated” on November 4 but hasn’t had alcohol since November 5, she said. She suggested he drank because he has not fully dealt with the trauma of cancer treatment when he was younger.

A probation officer said he had completed only one out of 160 hours of unpaid work set for him.

Chairman of the bench Elfed ap Gomer jailed Gadsby for eight weeks for assaulting Mr Howarth, eight weeks concurrently for assaulting Mr Jones, and a further 12 weeks in activating a previous suspended sentence. He also ordered Gadsby to pay each officer £50 for their distress.

He was given a three-year criminal behaviour order not to consume alcohol from an open container in Wales or England unless on licensed premises. He is also prohibited from refusing to leave shops on Anglesey or in Bangor if asked to do so.