Couple locked themselves in car after drunk’s tirade

Last updated 11:38, Friday, 16 May 2008

A DRIVER locked himself and his wife in his car after they were shouted at by a drunk passer-by.

Robert Forsdyke became aggressive to Maurice Coates and his wife after he reversed his car when he and another man were walking past.

Whitehaven magistrates heard how Forsdyke, 57, of Ghyll Grove, Lowca, opened the passenger door and claimed Mr Coates had tried to run him over.

Mr Coates had stopped reversing to let the two pass and felt “quite shaken” by Forsdyke’s behaviour.

Forsdyke had shouted and sworn at Mrs Coates when she said she was going to call police, the court heard.

Police found Forsdyke drunk at the Pack Horse pub. He said he had been drinking all day and was abusive to officers. At the police station he threw water at an officer.

For Forsdyke, Neil Pilling, said: “He is very sorry about this. He had had some good news and went out to celebrate and had too much to drink. He couldn’t remember the incident with the car and would like to apologise to the Coates for his behaviour.

Forsdyke admitted being drunk and disorderly and was fined £40. He was fined a further £75 for behaving in a violent manner at Workington police station.