MAN GREW CANNABIS TO HELP WITH CASH CRISIS
Police who searched Mervyn Berridge’s Gainsborough home found two cannabis plants growing in an airing cupboard, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that he grew them under lights but he had no intention of using the plants which he had been given to grow to help him out of a financial tight-spot,
Berridge (46) of Pilham Court, Riseholme Road, Gainsborough, admitted cultivating cannabis on October 2.
Tony Freitas, repsenting, said Berridge was left with three grown up children after his wife left and he had a lot of things to cope with.
“He was being chased by debt recovery companies and was approached by someone who said this was a way he could make some money. He stupidly accepted and took two plants,” Mr Freitas said.
“He doesn’t use cannabis himself, and he is very anti-drug, but he took these on the basis of making a few easy pounds. It was an act of sheer desperation.”
Magistrates adjourned the case until November 5 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.
FORMER JUNIOR CHEF OF THE YEAR IN COURT
Former young chef of the year Mark John Alsop narrowly escaped jail after he punched a man unconscious after a bar room brawl, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told Alsop, who won the West Lindsey title in 2007, was seen on CCTV to pursue the victim and attack him three times.
Deborah Cartwright, prosecuting, said at one stage, the man was pursued by Alsop’s group and he crossed over the road several times to avoid them.
“The defendant had a disagreement with the victim in the Walkabout pub,” she said.
“Alsop punched the man outside on Silver Street. The man ran to the other side of the road.
“Alsop pursued him and punched him again.
“The victim crossed the road for the third time and got away again, and was followed by a group of males.
“The defendant then punched him again so hard, the victim fell to the floor unconscious. He lay there for several minutes until he was helped to his feet by passers by.”
Mrs Cartwright told the court that when arrested, Alsop told police that a male bumped into him on the dance floor in Walkabout and there was verbal argument.
“He says the victim pushed him so that the other male could punch him. The defendant then retaliated when he later saw the victim on Silver Street.”
Alsop (19) of Padmore Lane, Upton, Gainsborough, admitted assault on October 10.
Tony Freitas, representing, said there had been some pushing and shoving in the pub where Alsop’s group was outnumbered three to one.
“He does accept his actions were wrong. He was assaulted earlier and was angry but he accepts that retaliation is not self defence.”
Magistrates warned Alsop he could face jail but after reading pre-sentence reports, they imposed a community penalty of 250 hours of unpaid work. Alsop also has to pay £250 compensation and £85 costs.
MAN TOOK WEAPON TO CHIP SHOP AFTER ROW
An altercation in a chip shop led Darren Cook to go hom,e and fetch a baseball bat, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that police were called to reports of two men fighting on Scotter High Street but then they arrived, they found the defendant in possession of a baseball bat which was found in his jacket.
Deborah Cartwright, prosecuting, said Cook told police he had been drinking at home with a friend when they decided to go to the chippy for some food.
“His friend was involved in some sort of altercation. Cook said the chip shop owner believed he was also involved,” she said.
“He maintained that the owner took off his belt and swung it around. Cook said he was struck on the leg and he showed officers a bruise. He also said he had a bump on his head but there was no sign of this.
“He managed to get away and thereafter he went home and armed himself with the baseball bat. He didn’t intend to use it but took it as protection because he thought the chip shop owner was intimidating.”
Cook (23) of Polar Grove, Scotter, admitted possession of an offensive weapon on October 2.
Jennifer Musgrove, representing, said this offence pre-dated another matter which resulted in a suspended sentence for Cook.
“He does have a lot of personal issues and he suffers from depression. A community order would benefit him greatly,” she said.
“He felt intimidated by the people he was up against and so he carried the weapon for his own security.”
Magistrates adjourned the case until Monday afternoon for the preparation of reports before sentencing.
POLISH WORKER OVER THE LIMIT
Polish factory worker Marcin Zajac was stopped by police because his car was weaving across the road, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that officers saw his car on Trent Bridge and followed as it turned onto Bridge Street in Gainsborough.
Deborah Cartwright, prosecuting, said when police spoke to Zajac he smelled of intoxicants and analysis of his breath revealed he had 59mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
Zajac (26) of Ashcroft Road, Gainsborough, admitted drink driving on October 2.
Tony Freitas, representing, said the defendant had been drinking with a friend as they worked on a car in a garage. He had three beers.
“He didn’t realise how much he had drunk and that it would put him over the limit,” Mr Freitas said.
Magistrates banned Zajac from driving for 12 months with a three month reduction if he competes a rehabilitation course. He was fined £220, orderd to pay costs of £85 and a £15 Government surcharge.