Drunk man arrested in cultural area told public space is ‘for everyone to enjoy’ 

Refused to cooperate with police after urinating near bench

A Douglas man – described as a ‘nuisance to himself’ - has been urged to take the help available to him before it’s too late.

Ralph Walker, of Derby Road, was handed a two-year probation order at Douglas Courthouse after admitting being drunk in public.

Police were called to the seating area outside the Sefton Hotel, on Loch Promenade, at 3.30pm last Wednesday (3 August).

Officers found Walker sitting on a bench causing a disturbance – he was intoxicated and had urinated.

They told him to go home but he became ‘belligerent and uncooperative’ and was subsequently arrested.

Walker’s advocate told the court his client needed help more than punishment.

His probation officer voiced similar concerns saying he had a ‘long history of alcohol abuse’ – she described him as ‘very vulnerable’ within the community and said he should be in supported accommodation.

“We know that people take advantage of him, “ she added - describing how people get him drunk to make fun of him and enter his property to take his food and money.

Chair of the magistrates David Christian told Walker his behaviour wasn’t acceptable and that he didn’t want to see him back in court adding: “This is a newly created public space – it is for everyone to enjoy.”

Addressing the 19-hours he’d spent at Police Headquarters Walker told the court: “It’s not a comfortable hotel.”