Blackpool Magistrates Court cases and convictions in week up to January 9, 2023

Man threatens neighbours with golf club and bleach

A man armed himself with a golf club and a bottle of bleach during a heated row with neighbours.

His actions were "totally out of proportion" to the situation which arose on Walter Avenue in St Annes, prosecutor Karl Gaffney told Blackpool Magsitrates.

Resident Justin Roberts, 50, had been drinking heavily and was angered by neighbours' remarks which he felt disrespected his partner.

Roberts, now of Withnell Road, Blackpool admitted threatening behaviour, possessing the golf club and bleach as offensive weapons and possessing heroin.

Mitch Sarangi defending said everyone involved in the incident in June last year had been drinking heavily.

The defence accepted Roberts had wielded the golf club but denied he had squirted bleach at a woman.

The court heard Roberts was now seeking help for his problems.

He was handed a 26 week jail term suspended for 18 months.

He must also attend an alcohol treatment course, complete 20 rehabilitation days and pay £554 in compensation and costs.

90mph police chase ends in crash

A man led police on a car chase reaching speeds of up to 90mph, Blackpool Magistrates Court heard.

Tyler O'Neill, 20, sped down Squires Gate Lane and Clifton Drive North as he was pursued by several police vehicles on Saturday (January 7).

The chase place in 30mph zones in wet weather and ended when O'Neill crashed his Peugeot into another vehicle.

He was found injured in bushes after trying to escape on foot.

O'Neill of Parker Street, Preston, admitted dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Hugh Pond, defending, said his client was in Blackpool to see his girlfriend and drove to a cash machine.

“He panicked when he saw the police car behind him because he knew he had no insurance or licence," said Mr Pond.

His client was bailed until February 7 so pre-sentence reports can be prepared.

Man sends sinister and threatening messages to his ex

A man staged a short but "explicit and unpleasant" period of harassment against a former partner.

Professional jet washer Michael Horrocks started to ring her in the early hours, withholding his number.

The 35-year-old from Coleridge Road, Blackpool admitted harassment at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

Karl Gaffney, prosecuting, said Horrocks also sent messages with a chilling warning that he was going to stab her and take her last breath.

He also sent her a message saying ‘RIP’.

"These were unpleasant and explicit and threatening, " said Mr Gaffney.

Brett Chappell, defending, said his client's actions were the result of binge drinking and cocaine misuse.

Horrocks was handed a 36 weeks sentence suspended for 18 months and 25 rehabilitation days.

He was also made the subject of a restraining order and must wear an anti-alcohol abstinence monitor.

Tourist caught with ecstasy

A tourist arrived in Blackpool with a stash of ecstasy tablets.

John Stanger, 53, was found with six of the Class A pills on him when he was searched by police.

Stanger, from Rosebay Gardens in HighPeak, Derbyshire admitted possession at Blackpool Magistrates Court.

Pam Smith prosecuting said Stanger was searched by police who were worried about his demeanour.

His night out in the resort cost him £634 in fines and costs.

Lawyer Mitch Sarangi said: “It was a one-off isolated offence and he has no ongoing drug issues. He came to Blackpool by himself for a short break."

Alcoholic lashes out at police after being accused of theft