‘Frantic’ man abuses drivers after Stoke City beat Leeds United
Angry Luke Howard shouted abuse at motorists – after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs. Staffordshire Police discovered the 25-year-old after being deployed to Fletcher Road, in Stoke[1], at 10pm on October 25 to deal with an unrelated matter. The drama unfolded as Stoke City fans were returning to their vehicles following the midweek Championship victory against Leeds United at the bet365 Stadium.
Prosecutor Lee Stone told North Staffordshire Justice Centre[2]: “There were a lot of people around due to Stoke City[3] having just played. Police came across the defendant in the street. They observed Howard running up and down the road.
“He was running on the pavement. Police described his actions as frantic and someone who was angry. They approached him.
“He ran in front of a car to shout at the driver. He shouted, ‘**** off’ to cars coming past. As a result the police arrested the defendant.”
Mr Stone added: “It was aggravated by the fact the defendant was intoxicated at the time.” Howard, aged 35, of Walk Ministries Rehabilitation Centre, in Community Drive, Smallthorne[4], pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour. Alan Dawson, mitigating, said Howard had been released from prison just a week earlier.
Mr Dawson added: “He suffers from anxiety and depression. He was prescribed medication. Foolishly he turned to a non-prescribed drug and drink.
He accepts he was in a public place causing harassment to many passers-by.”
District Judge Kevin Grego handed Howard a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a GBP26 surcharge.
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References
- ^ Stoke (%20http)
- ^ North Staffordshire Justice Centre (%20http)
- ^ Stoke City (%20http)
- ^ Smallthorne (%20http)
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- ^ alerts direct to your inbox (data.reachplc.com)