Taran Mitchell was abusive towards police (From Basingstoke Gazette)
When news happens, text BAZ and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Drunk teen suffers from mental health problems
7:30am Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Gazette reporter
A MAN who suffers from mental health problems landed in court for being drunk and disorderly.
Taran Mitchell, of Silvester Close, Basingstoke was seen walking in the middle of Cromwell Road, South View at about 5pm on August 14.
Andover Magistrates’ Court heard that his mother was with him at the time and was “upset and distressed” by her son’s behaviour. Prosecutor Claire Hartman said he appeared to be drunk and was walking in the path of traffic.
Police officers were called and were told Mitchell had drunk a bottle of vodka. When an officer spoke to him, Mitchell became abusive and was arrested.
Miss Hartmann said the 18-year-old was detained under the mental health act, but his poor behaviour was later found to be the result of alcohol consumption.
Mitchell was initially charged with assaulting a constable on duty, but this was later withdrawn and he pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. Mitchell told the court he drank alcohol to “block out bad thoughts.”
The court heard he was living in supported housing after being released from Parklands hospital in Basingstoke.
District Judge Phillip Gillibrand said: “I’m sympathetic towards your mental health problems but taking alcohol doesn’t help. “ He conditionally discharged Mitchell for 12 months and ordered him to pay £85 prosecution costs.
