Boozer jailed after anti-drink implant promise

A violent boozer who promised magistrates he would stop drinking by getting an anti-alcohol implant fitted in his arm has been jailed for assaulting a police officer, smashing a pub door and kicking out the window of a police car.
Mansfield Magistrates Court.Mansfield Magistrates Court.
Mansfield Magistrates Court.

John Kavanagh, 28, of Dalestorth Guest House, Skegby Lane, Sutton, admitted assault, and two counts each of criminal damage and theft.

David Miles, prosecuting, told Mansfield Magistrates’ Court that Kavanagh punched and kicked the glass from the door of the JD Wetherspoons in Sutton on February 25, after he was ejected by staff.

He want to a nearby MacDonald’s, where he fell over and damaged his teeth. Police arrested him and took him to hospital, but Kavanagh lashed out at officers as they escorted him to the X-ray room.

Mr Miles said Kavanagh was spotted stealing a bottle of brandy from Asda the very next day, but when staff told him to return it, he smashed the bottle.

On Sunday, March 13, he stole three bottles of wine and a bunch of flowers, but was arrested when police were called to his partner’s home following a domestic dispute and officers spotted the bottles.

The court heard that while Kavanagh was being driven away he became irate and kicked a side window out of the police car.

Sarah Neale, mitigating, said: “If released today he plans to get an emergency implant in his arm to stop him from drinking.

“Mr Kavanagh has suffered from alcohol problems for many years. I don’t think there’s one offence on his record that hasn’t been committed because of alcohol.

“When he is sober he is a completely different character.”

The court heard he had learning difficulties and dyslexia, but had previous convictions for assault and resisting arrest.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and £50 compensation to the officer he assaulted.

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