In The Dock

MAN DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A CHILD

7 May 2009

A man found drunk in charge of a young child narrowly avoided a prison term at Tower Bridge Magistrates Court last week.

The 37-year-old of Daniel's Road in Peckham was arrested on March 30 on Camberwell Road after members of the public reportedly saw him almost drop a child twice.

In court there was confusion over his plea of guilty to this incident, as he had been charged with a similar offence in August last year, which was subsequently dropped.

However after a brief recess the defence lawyer confirmed his plea of guilty to this incident, and to having cannabis in his possession when apprehended in August.

A subsequent failure to appear at Peckham Police Station when on bail was explained away by a change of address in January. District Judge Shamoon Somjee sentenced the defendant to twenty days imprisonment for being drunk in charge of a child, with the same sentence being given for a failure to surrender to police when requested.

However both were suspended for twelve months during which time the defendant must undertake an alcohol treatment programme, and complete 50 hours of unpaid work.

For possession of drugs the defendant was fined a total of £65, which was discharged due to the defendant spending a day in prison while waiting for his court appearance.

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