Nwicker60
06-Jan-15, 18:31
Forklift theft proved a letdown for accused
A MAN who stole a A FORKLIFT TRUCK didn't get very far, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
When police officers caught up with Ryan Beresford, he had broken down and was attempting to restart the vehicle.
The hapless 22-year-old was asked to step down from the vehicle but was unsteady on his feet, lost his balance and fell into a drainage ditch.
Beresford, of 16 A Beatrice Terrace, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear, was then breathalysed positive, but failed to provide further specimens of breath, later at Thurso police station, where he punched Constable Andrew Mackay.
The accused pleaded guilty to the assault and taking the forklift without permission from Achscrabster Quarry, near Thurso, on September 27 and failing to provide two samples of breath.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that Beresford started to breathe into the intoximeter and appeared to be pretending to be providing a sample of breath but failed to complete the process.
The fiscal added: "He became agitated, indicating that he would lose his job. The combination of drink and being in custody was obviously frustrating and he lashed out, punching Constable Mackay on the left side of his jaw."
Sheriff Andrew Berry, who commented on "the unusual combination of offences", continued the case until Friday for a background report. Beresford, a first offender who previously lived in Caithness, was remanded in custody.
A MAN who stole a A FORKLIFT TRUCK didn't get very far, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
When police officers caught up with Ryan Beresford, he had broken down and was attempting to restart the vehicle.
The hapless 22-year-old was asked to step down from the vehicle but was unsteady on his feet, lost his balance and fell into a drainage ditch.
Beresford, of 16 A Beatrice Terrace, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear, was then breathalysed positive, but failed to provide further specimens of breath, later at Thurso police station, where he punched Constable Andrew Mackay.
The accused pleaded guilty to the assault and taking the forklift without permission from Achscrabster Quarry, near Thurso, on September 27 and failing to provide two samples of breath.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that Beresford started to breathe into the intoximeter and appeared to be pretending to be providing a sample of breath but failed to complete the process.
The fiscal added: "He became agitated, indicating that he would lose his job. The combination of drink and being in custody was obviously frustrating and he lashed out, punching Constable Mackay on the left side of his jaw."
Sheriff Andrew Berry, who commented on "the unusual combination of offences", continued the case until Friday for a background report. Beresford, a first offender who previously lived in Caithness, was remanded in custody.