A drunk man who shouted abuse at a bus driver and passengers in Newcastle City Centre was found to be carrying a pair of scissors and drugs in his pocket. Darren Hughes, 50, has a previous conviction for possessing a bladed article.
Incident on Newbridge Street
Police were called to Newbridge Street on December 1 last year after Hughes got drunk and began shouting abuse at a bus driver and passengers. When officers arrived, Hughes continued being aggressive and refused to get off the bus.
He was arrested and later found to be carrying scissors and 50 Pregabalin tablets. Hughes, formerly of Heaton but now of no fixed abode, initially pleaded guilty to possessing a class C drug but denied possessing a bladed article and being drunk and disorderly.
Court appearance
Hughes failed to appear for his trial earlier this week and was found guilty in absence. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court in custody on Wednesday.
Prosecutor Jade Houston told the court that officers found Hughes shouting and swearing at members of the public and a bus driver. She said: "The officers spoke with the defendant and he became irate and refused to exit the bus. He was arrested for his behaviour. He was taken to Forth Banks and 50 Pregabalin tablets and a pair of scissors were found on him."
Previous convictions
The court heard that Hughes had 104 offences on his record, including for possessing a bladed article from 2022. Ben Hurst, defending, said Hughes was homeless at the time and had suffered from drug and alcohol issues in the past.
Mr Hurst added: "He has been clean and sober for four years from 2022 but, in December, his homelessness became an issue and he turned back to drugs. It was a blip as he is now clean and sober again."
Hughes was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must pay £150 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
