Street drinker's punishment from magistrates lasted seconds

Peter Swinbourne admitted one charge of being drunk and disorderly in St Swithin's Street. 

Jim Mason, prosecuting, said at 7.30pm on Friday, December 2 police were called to a report Swinbourne had been involved in a fight. 

When police arrived one of the officers immediately recognised Swinbourne and the court heard he was unsteady on his feet, speech slurred and smelling of intoxicants. 

COURT: Peter Swinbourne (Image: West Mercia Police)

"He had blood on his knuckles, blood on his trousers," Mr Mason said.

"An officer asked him if he was going to continue to fight. 

"He responded by saying he was."

Mr Mason said in fairness to the defendant nobody had come forward claiming to have been assaulted.

The prosecutor added Swinbourne was no "stranger to the courts" with a lengthy record of previous convictions.

Swinbourne, who represented himself, was then asked if there was anything he wanted to say. 

"No, I'm just sorry that's all," the 50-year-old, of St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, Worcester replied. 

"I'm trying to get help for alcohol problems."

'We understand your distress' magistrates tell Peter Swinbourne as he was given court detention punishment

Swinbourne told magistrates he had left prison three months ago and it was the longest period he had been out for over a decade. 

A representative from St Paul's Hostel supported the defendant telling magistrates Swinbourne was making good progress and for the first time said he wanted to detox from alcohol.

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She added he was working with Cranstoun, the recovery service in Worcester. 

After deliberations, chairman of the magistrates bench Elaine Bell told Swinbourne to continue his rehabilitation work.

"We urge you, we can't make you.

"We have seen your record - it is extensive."

The chairman said Swinbourne would receive a one-day detention to stay in the court until all cases were completed. 

Swinbourne explained due to his alcohol dependency he would "not be able to last" until 4pm. 

COURT: Peter Swinbourne was given a punishment to stay in Worcester Magistrates Court building

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When asked, Swinbourne said he arrived at court at 1.45pm.

The chairman said: "We understand your distress, we don't want to add to that."

Magistrates only made him wait seconds until his detention finished at 2.45pm. 

"Thank you very much," Swinbourne replied. 

Swinbourne has more than 200 convictions including for assaulting an emergency worker, breaching a criminal behaviour order, theft and criminal damage.