Celebrations ended behind bars

9th February 2010

AN Avenell Heights man who kicked in a police car’s door during his birthday celebrations faced court on six charges yesterday.

Mark Damien Angel, 21, of Pecton Place, pleaded guilty to offences including a drunk and disorderly charge and two charges of failing to leave a licensed premises, after his birthday revelries went pear-shaped on December 4 last year.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Robyn Shapcott told the court police were called to a Bargara hotel about 10.15pm.

She said Angel had been asked to leave the pub twice.

When the part-time fruit picker was arrested and put in the back of a police sedan, he kicked and damaged the doors.

He was then moved to another vehicle but had to be blasted with capsicum spray so police could close the door of the paddy wagon.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts ordered Angel to pay $372 restitution for the damaged door and convicted and sentenced him to six months in jail. His parole date was set for March 15.