A 19-YEAR-old who was shouting and squared up to officers in Worcester city centre on a night out has been given a chance to prove himself by magistrates.
Connor Atherage, of Morten Place, Worcester, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (August 31).
Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said at 12.30am on August 12 in New Street Atherage was given a dispersal notice after shouting at officers.
The prosecutor said, after he failed to leave, he continued to shout before squaring up to officers.
Fearing he would assault someone Atherage was then arrested.
Miss Peart added: "You may feel the offence is aggravated as it was committed against those serving the public."
The court clerk then asked Atherage, who defended himself after admitting a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place, whether there was anything he wanted to say.
Atherage denied 'squaring up' to police and said he had not been aggressive to the officers and had not liked being put in handcuffs.
He added he just come out the pub when he committed the offence.
The teenager said his income varied as he worked on market stalls during the week.
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After deliberations chairman of the magistrates bench, Kevin Lloyd-Wright, told Atherage they had considered his young age and that he had no previous convictions.
"You need to do what the police say," the chairman said.
"We have taken into account a bit of immaturity."
The chairman said they had decided not to fine Atherage instead giving him a six-month conditional discharge.
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Mr Lloyd-Wright explained to the defendant if he committed another offence in that period he would be doubly punished for both offences.
"It will come back to haunt you," the chairman said.
"Stay out of trouble for six months - but forever please."
Atherage was also told to pay £26 victim surcharge and costs of £100.
He was given 28 days to pay the £126 total, with a fine collection order made by the magistrates in case the money was not paid by the defendant.
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