Homeless man fined for escaping icy winds by climbing in a hole behind a shop in Blackpool - before cop yanked him out by his legs

A homeless man who escaped icy winds by removing a hatch cover and harbouring in a hole in a wall behind a shop in Central Drive, Blackpool, has been fined.
By Court reporter
Published 13th Apr 2021, 09:31 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2021, 09:34 BST
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Stephen Perrigo, 42, crawled headfirst in the tiny makeshift cubbyhole to take refuge against the wintry weather, Blackpool Magistrates' Court was told.

But he was charged with criminal damage - and assaulting a police officer who yanked him out by his legs.

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Defending, Martin Hillson said: "He wasn't aware at first it was the police as he could not see behind him.

"He struggled and the officer's hand was hurt. In the end, police PAVA sprayed Perrigo."

Perrigo was told to pay £150 compensation for the damage, £5 compensation to the police officer, and a £40 fine.

He was also made the subject of a one-year community order with 15 days' rehabilitation.

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