A MAN had “a few too many” when he missed his train after a probation meeting and was later arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Police received an initial report about 33-year-Michael Poole’s behaviour in central Carlisle at around 10pm on October 22.

“This was from licensed premises,” prosecutor George Shelley told city magistrates, “reporting a drunk male refusing to leave.”

Police then learned Poole, of Priory Drive, Cleator Moor, had left the pub and moved on to Pizza Bravo at The Crescent.

“A second call was received from Pizza Bravo at 10.28pm. “The call described a drunken male trying to rip the counter off, and an argument was heard in the background,” said Mr Shelley.

An officer attended the takeaway where Poole was observed to be intoxicated, slurring his speech and, added the prosecutor, “incredibly unsteady on his feet.”

Poole was arrested, shouted at staff as he was taken out and yelled an obscenity at a passing motorist who appeared to be looking at him.

In court, Poole admitted a charge of being drunk and disorderly. He had five previous convictions for 13 offences and, in June, had been given a two-year community order for harassment.

Poole was not represented at his latest court hearing, and told magistrates he had met with probation staff on October 22.

“On the way back from probation I missed my train. There was an hour wait,” he said, telling how he went to a pub near the station. “I’ve had a few drinks and I’ve had a few too many, to be fair.”

Poole spoke of going through a “hard time” due to family difficulties and of being a carer for his mother.

“I’m not making excuses,” he said of the Carlisle incident. “I’m ashamed of myself. I just want to go on record to say sorry.

“I’ve not got a drink problem. I’ve just got a problem when I’m drunk. I’m just trying to get a bit of help.”

Poole spoke of having a forthcoming appointment with a professional in a bid to gain assistance.

Magistrates wished Poole luck with that as he was fined £40. He was also ordered to pay a £16 mandatory surcharge and £85 court costs.