A MAN was arrested after disobeying a legal order to leave South Shields town centre.
Sam Lindsay was a given the ‘Direction to Leave’ notice by police in the early hours of February 2 after arguing with other men in Ocean Road.
When someone is given the notice they have to leave the area within 20 minutes and stay away for 48 hours, but 20-year-old Lindsay shouted for passers-by to watch him as he threw it in the bin.
He pleaded guilty to being drunk in a public place at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Keith Laidlaw, prosecuting, said: “He was warned about his aggressive behaviour and eventually given the direction to leave notice.
“As he walked out, he shouted ‘lads, watch this’ and threw it in a bin.”
Christopher Brown, defending, said: “He was having a pleasant evening and was actually on his way home when the officers stopped him.
“He was being insolent and ended up with four police officers on top of him.
“At least he didn’t throw it on the floor.”
Magistrates gave Lindsay, of Moreland Road, South Shields, a six-month conditional discharge.
Chairman of the bench Bill Marriott said: “You had the chance to leave and didn’t.
“For a show of bravado, you have ended up in court.”