Police car climb arrest

May 1 2008 by Julia Bosnyak, Glamorgan Gazette

A DRUNKEN man climbed on top of a police car at 1am when no-one answered the door to him at a police station.

Clifford David Duckworth, aged 36, of Nolton Street, Bridgend, admitted causing criminal damage before Bridgend magistrates.

The incident happened in Victoria Street, Pontycymer on April 16.

Nia James, prosecuting, said police were called to a disturbance outside Pontycymer police station and when officers arrived, Duckworth was talking to ambulance staff. Officers found Ford Focus police car was covered in muddy footprints and had several scratches.

“They spoke to Mr Duckworth and he said he was the one who had done it and he said they should have answered the door at the police station,” said Miss James.

The court heard Duckworth had been to see his sister and had fallen and hurt his hand before seeking attention at the police station.

When he raised no reply he climbed on top of the police vehicle.

Duckworth, who was not represented, said: “I didn’t intend to damage it. I did do it, but I didn’t intend to do it.”

He went on: “I’m a fool. I’ve got issues with alcohol, I have had them for a while. I got drunk, I ended up being stupid.

“I have put in an application for myself to go to Cardiff for drink and alcohol abuse.”

Duckworth was sentenced to community order with supervision and a requirement to attend a substance misuse programme.

He was also ordered to pay £50 costs.