COURT: Buckley man jailed after spitting at police

Michael Jones, of Nant Mawr Road, appeared at Mold Crown Court via video link from HMP Berwyn for sentence on Wednesday morning.

The 35-year-old had previously admitted offences of assault, criminal damage, theft and two of assault against an emergency worker.

Amy Edwards, prosecuting, told the court that on June 18, Jones entered into a confrontation with Mark Thomas, the landlord of Buckley pub the Black Lion, in the street.

Mr Thomas had known the defendant for a number of years and had barred him from the premises.

READ MORE: Man fined for being drunk and disorderly at Mold pub

The Black Lion pub in Buckley (Google) (Image: Google)

But over the years Jones had made an estimated 30 attempts to gain entry to the pub and when he bumped into the landlord in the town on the day of the offence, he hurled a homophobic slur at him before pushing him and punching him.

The defendant then made his way towards the pub and threatened to damage it, but was physically blocked from entering.

Instead, he made his way into the Spar in the town and took coffee and wine worth £36.

Police attended the scene and found him in possession of the stolen goods.

He was arrested and handcuffed, but kicked out - striking one of the officers in the leg - and spat at another officer.

Threats to kill the officers were followed by more homophobic language and once he arrived at his cell in Llay, Jones proceeded to urinate across the walls and floor.

The Spar in Buckley (Staff) (Image: Staff)

READ MORE: Community order for woman who punched men at Wrexham pubs

The court heard he had been up in the Magistrates Court at the beginning of July for two unrelated assaults on emergency workers, which he carried out on June 18.

On that occasion, police had been called to Wrexham Maelor Hospital Emergency Department after Jones became abusive with staff - and he spat at the police.

On discovering the defendant received a 15 week sentence for that offence, Judge Rhys Rowlands said: "Oh, good grief. He spits at police in the emergency department and it's worth 15 weeks?

"It's worth considerably more from where I'm sitting and he's going to be getting rather more than 15 weeks now, I can tell you."

The Judge said in his view, despite not having heard what was put before the magistrates court for the previous offences, the punishment seemed "very light."

Oliver King, defending, told the court: "Mitigation is limited; I have to concede that.

"He's before this court for spitting on another occasion, which is particularly unpleasant.

Michael Jones (North Wales Police) (Image: NWP)

"Fortunately none of the assaults resulted in injury.

"The defendant's problem is alcohol and drugs; that's evident."

He said Jones' behaviour stemmed from a childhood trauma, with his use of alcohol and substances becoming a "way of taking away the memories, the pain and escaping from that trauma."

Mr King continued: "When he's in drink, the anger comes to the surface and he makes a nuisance of himself.

"He realises only he can break the pattern. When he's sat there sober, as he is now, he sees his behaviour for what it is; disgraceful, disgusting and he's deeply ashamed."

The Judge told Jones: "You behaved in a vile and disgusting fashion.

"Officers and police staff ought not to have to deal with such behaviour.

"You're now in your mid-30s and have a raft of convictions; 18 of which are for violence."

Jones received a 12 month custodial sentence, to be served consecutive (on top of) his ongoing 15 week term imposed by the Magistrates Court.

Judge Rowlands said he could order no compensation, as the defendant is "a man with no means at all."