A former professional footballer who smashed a glass bottle and brandished it at undercover police officers walked into a courtroom topless. Daniel Purvis, 35, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court after making threats with the weapon in a city centre and breaking a shop window.
He strolled in and sat on the floor, before telling the court that he wasn't wearing a top because his "jumper stinks". After being removed by security and putting on a jacket, he returned and entered guilty pleas to possession of a weapon and criminal damage.
Incident in Newcastle City Centre
Plain-clothed police officers were patrolling Newcastle city centre on September 27 when they spotted him, according to ChronicleLive. James Rickerby, prosecuting, said: "They have seen the defendant smash a glass bottle, which he then brandished towards them. The officers identified themselves as police, causing the defendant to run away."
He was detained nearby and arrested. It then became clear he had damaged a shop window by throwing a can towards it, causing a crack in it. The shop that ended up being damaged was called Toon Tech. The damage caused to it was valued between £300 to £500.
Background and Plea
Purvis, who has 14 offences on his record, admitted in a police interview to having the weapon but denied causing the damage. However, last week he admitted both offences.
David Forrester, defending, said Purvis, formerly of South Tyneside but now of no fixed abode, became a professional footballer after leaving school. But his promising career didn't work out, the lawyer told magistrates.
Mr Forrester added: "He's got a number of difficulties. He's lightly convicted. He's got nowhere to live and he's got a problem with crack-cocaine and alcohol."
Next Steps
The case was adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared. Purvis was released on unconditional bail. The next hearing is due to take place at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on November 3.
