Hanley pub-goer loses house, job and partner and is now behind bars

Stressed Stephen White elbowed a police officer in the face after they were called to a pub because of his behaviour. Staff at The Golden Cup Inn, Hanley, reported that the 36-year-old had gone in the pub and said he was wanted by police for the riots and they alleged he had made far right comments.

His partner told staff she had been the victim of domestic violence. Officers arrived and tried to speak to both separately but they refused.

There was an altercation at the bar and White was arrested. As he was being taken out the pub he elbowed an officer in the face. Now White has been jailed for 16 weeks at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

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Prosecutor Emma Thompson said police were called to the Golden Cup Inn, in Hanley, at 10.30pm on August 16. Miss Thompson said: "They stated the defendant had gone in the pub and said he was wanted by the police for the riots.

"There were also reports of him making far right comments in the pub. His partner spoke to staff and said she was the subject of domestic violence.

"Police asked to speak to both separately but they refused. He told the police to f*** off. He stood up and barged past officers which resulted in an altercation at the bar. An officer arrested him.

"While escorting the officer out the pub he elbowed her in the face causing a small minor cut to her bottom lip and he was arrested for assault. He was pava-sprayed and placed in leg restraints and taken to the police station."

In his police interview White said he did not make any far right comments. He said he was under a lot of stress due to being on a community order. He stated he suffers with his mental health after losing his job in February.

He lost his house and could not pay the rent. He said he may have used foul language in frustration and during the tussle he may have elbowed the officer in the face. The court heard White is currently subject to two community orders.

White, of no fixed address but formerly of Cromartie Street, Dresden, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour and common assault of an emergency worker.

Mark Sheppard, mitigating, conceded the custody threshold had been passed. He said White is single and currently unemployed but has been a hard worker throughout his life. He has sought assistance for alcohol from his GP.

Mr Sheppard said: "On the way out there was a struggle. He concedes his arm connected with the officer. He had handcuffs on him when the struggle took place and the injury was caused by him.

"He told the officer he was deeply sorry for what he did and his behaviour was disgusting. He has not been to custody before."

Mr Sheppard added that a suspended sentence would allow the community orders to continue. Magistrates ordered White to pay £50 compensation to the officer and a £154 surcharge. They revoked the community orders.

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