Booze-plagued OAP is remanded in custody

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, May 23, how Stephen James Cameron Stewart, 66, of Macclesfield Road, Buxton, had been jailed earlier this month at Derby Crown Court but was released on May 18 due to time previously spent on remand.

However, Stewart was arrested again on May 21, at Spring Gardens, Buxton, after he was caught drinking cider in public and he has been accused of being drunk in a public place and breaching an ASBO by entering the town.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “This is a case where the defendant is subject to an ASBO. There have been a number of breaches of that ASBO resulting in a six-month prison sentence.”

Mrs Allsop explained Stewart was jailed after an incident on April 21 when he had been spotted by police drinking red wine in public.

Stewart admitted being in possession of an open bottle of wine and being drunk in public which he was prohibited from doing by an anti-social behaviour order.

He also admitted committing this offence during a suspended custodial sentence which had been imposed for two previous breaches of his anti-social behaviour order.

However, following his release he was spotted drinking again in public at Spring Gardens on May 21 and was arrested.

Stewart has pleaded guilty to drinking from a vessel in public but has denied being drunk in public and denied breaching his ASBO by entering Buxton.

Representing himself, Stewart told the court that he had needed to go to Specsavers and a Mark Anthony’s bicycle shop.

He accepted he did not need to be drinking in Spring Gardens but he had not been drunk.

He aims to appeal against the imposition of the ASBO which he has breached thirteen times, according to Mrs Allsop. Stewart added he would be supported by his brother who is a judge. He claimed he had gone a year without a drink and he is okay now. However, magistrates adjourned the case until May 31 for a summary trial on July 8 and further remanded Stewart in custody.