A former professional footballer who brandished a broken glass bottle at undercover police officers in the street walked into a courtroom with no top on. Daniel Purvis was appearing in the dock after making the threats with the weapon in Newcastle city centre and breaking a shop window.
However, the shirtless 35-year-old brazenly walked into the courtroom and sat on the floor, claiming he wasn't wearing a top because his "jumper stinks". After being removed by security and putting a jacket on, Purvis returned and pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon and criminal damage.
Incident on Neville Street
Newcastle Magistrates' Court was told that plain-clothed police officers were patrolling Neville Street on September 27 when they spotted Purvis. 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.
Court details and background
The court heard that the shop in question was Toon Tech and the damage caused was valued between £300 to £500. In interview, Purvis, who has 14 offences on his record, admitted having the weapon but denied causing the damage.
However, he changed his tune when he appeared in the dock this week and 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.
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
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and released Purvis on unconditional bail to next appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on November 3.
