Sobbing man tells court ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’

Shaun Taylor (42) was warned to put the blade down and ended up being parva sprayed.

He didn’t threaten anybody with it, Burnley magistrates heard.

Taylor, who has not been in trouble for 10 years, admitted the charge of police assault in Burnley on October 12th.

He had had a drink before court and sobbed throughout the proceedings, insisting: “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

The defendant, a carer, of Gannow Lane, Burnley, was given a 12 month conditional discharge and was told to pay a £150 criminal court charge, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Janet Sime (defending) said he had had a problem with alcohol but had had it under control.

He accepted he was drunk when he committed the offence and he has apologised.

The solicitor said the defendant had been to Inspire, the treatment service, to seek help.

She continued: “Because of grieving for the loss of his parents, he resorted to drinking, perhaps a little more than he should.

“He was apprehensive about coming to court and he’s had a drink this morning, That’s why he’s so emotional.”

The defendant cried as he was led from court, saying: “I have never been violent to anybody.

“I haven’t done anything wrong to anybody and I’m in trouble. I’ve not touched anybody.”