DIY friends abused police over mistaken lockdown party report
DIY pals fitting flooring at 7am abused police when their banging was mistaken for a lockdown-breaking house party.
Instead of letting officers into the flat in Dryburgh, Glebe, Washington, to check, Brian Wilkinson, 38, and Lee Williams, 39, became abusive.
Williams, a dad whose flat it was, was drunk and had taken two lines of cocaine – and made a slit sign to his throat with a finger.
It prompted officers to fear they could be killed during the altercation on Sunday, September 27 – and back-up was called.
Car parts firm worker Williams, who had been crimefree for 21 years, was the main culprit, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.
He refused to open a communal security door when officers asked for entry – and then struggled when they finally put him in handcuffs.
Digger firm worker Wilkinson, a father, of Stridingedge, Blackfell, Washington, confined his role to shouting abuse and making hand gestures.
Prosecutor Grace Taylor said: “Officers attended reports of a party ongoing in breach of covid restrictions.
“The ad dress is pa rt of a communal block of flats which can only be accessed by a big steel enforced door.
“Mr Williams approached the door and opened the door and then shut it immediately in their faces and hurled abuse. He then appeared on the balcony.
“Mr Wilkinson also came out to hurl abuse and to tell the officers to **** off.
“Mr Williams then raised his index finger and across his throat, the officers took it as an indication that if they entered the property he would attempt to kill them.
“The officers tried to explain to the defendants the reason why they were there.”
Ms Taylor added: “Mr Williams refused to listen and became abusive and called an officer (an abusive term). He said that he would ‘banjo’ him if he came into the flat.
“Other units attended and gained entry via another communal door and attended the flat.
“Several requests were made for Williams to open the door to the flat, which he refused. Mr Wilkinson was still outside on the balcony.
“Officers forced entry into the premises, but Mr Williams tried to barricade the door and he began to struggle. Force was used to get him to the floor.”
Greg Flaxen, defending Wilkinson, said: “It’s 10 years since his last conviction. He appears to have played a minor role. They had been decorating, they had been laying floor and that was why people thought they were having a party.’” Syed Ahmed, defending Williams, said: “In terms of the offence, he has very limited recollection.
“He says to me that he was intoxicated in his flat and had been drinking and taking drugs.
“He doesn’t know why he’s done what he’s done, he’s very sorry.”
Williams, who pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and obstructing police, was handed an 18- month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
Wilkinson, who pleaded guilty to causing harassment and alarm or distress, was fined £125 with £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.