Alcoholic suffered from hallucinations

AN alcoholic who went ‘cold turkey’ suffered ‘terrifying’ hallucinations, a court heard.

Mark Longshaw, 52, became so convinced ‘men with guns and petrol bombs’ were threatening him that he began carrying a knife for his protection.

He was found ‘cowering’ in the centre of Poynton before members of the public helped him.

Eventually he was taken into custody by police and given medical help.

At Stockport magistrates’ court, Longshaw, of Bonar Road, Edgeley, admitted possession of a bladed article.

Clare Smith, prosecuting, said Longshaw was seen behaving strangely near the Boar’s Head pub on Shrigley Road North on December 19.

She said: “Donna Hitchen saw a man stepping in and out of the shadows near some bushes. She could hear him saying Shoo! Go away!’

“She became scared by his behaviour and called her boyfriend, Darren Atwood.

“Fifteen minutes later the same male was seen shouting from the back of a nearby coffee shop.

“Mr Atwood called for help. He found him cowering near the patio. The male then move to front of the coffee shop.

“Mr Atwood approached the male and asked him if he was okay. The male said ‘There are people after me. Look over there. But Mr Atwood couldn’t see anyone.

“He described the male as looking genuinely in fear and distress. He also had blood on his hands and was holding a knife with a black handle.

“Mr Atwood asked him why he had a knife. The man said ‘There are men from Salford after me, they have guns and bombs’. He appeared to be hallucinating.”

Oliver Gardener, defending, said Mr Longshaw was ‘clearly unwell’ at the time.

He said: “He has been an alcoholic for many years.

“He was told that his life was hanging in the balance so he stopped drinking and went cold turkey. He was terrified.”

Magistrates fined Longshaw £50 with £170 costs.

According to the NHS sudden alcohol withdrawal can cause severe symptoms such as convulsions, confusion, fever and hallucinations. »»If you think you have a serious drinking problem and are experiencing any of the associated symptoms of alcohol dependence, you should consult your doctor or another medical professional about it as soon as possible.