Buxton man sleeps during his court case

A Fairfield man fell asleep during his own court case, where he was given a suspended sentence for threatening behaviour.

Stuart Hodgson was convicted following trial of being abusive towards a care worker, who had parked near his address on Kinder Way, in Buxton, on January 23.

At High Peak Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, the 53-year-old appeared to drift in and out of consciousness during the proceedings, sometimes snoring.

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Kieran Henry, defending, told the bench his client’s drowsiness was due to his medication and repeatedly prodded him in a bid to keep him awake.

The court heard that Hodgson, 53, approached victim Deborah Booth in her car at about 9.15pm and launched a tirade of abuse, swearing and shouting: “I’m sick of this blocking the road.”

He opened the car door and put his fist up, and grabbed her hand when she attempted to start the engine.

Eventually he stepped back and she drove away with the car door open.

Hodgson was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, given a six-month curfew and was ordered to pay £100 compensation, an £80 victim surcharge and £120 costs.

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