A MAN described as being covered in blood who was making punching motions towards members of the public and spitting on the floor has appeared in court.

Jonathan Mark Burchell, 51, was heard to say the words “Fight me, Builth” to concerned and confused onlookers in Builth Wells on the evening of July 4.

Burchell, of Tan Y Castell, Builth, admitted a charge of using threatening behaviour when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 14.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the incident happened shortly after 8pm and was witnessed by Dyfed-Powys Police officer Police Constable Matthews.

OTHER NEWS:

“PC Matthews was off duty and witnessed the incident,” said Mrs Tench.

“She heard shouting in High Street and saw the defendant, who is known to the officer.

“She said he was unsteady on his feet and was shouting loudly, including profanities. A small crowd formed.

“People were going round and avoiding him. The defendant was heard to shout ‘Fight me, Builth’. He was making punching motions and spitting on the floor. The incident lasted about 10 minutes.

“Another officer witnessed this while one member of the public said she saw him gesturing and wanting to fight someone.

“He said ‘come and get me’ and started walking towards PC Matthews. He wobbled when he walked, but sometimes looked full of energy.”

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.countytimes.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get

  • Unlimited access to the County Times website
  • Advert-light access
  • Reader rewards
  • Full access to our app

Jack Yelland, acting for Burchell, said: “He fully accepts the facts and is embarrassed by his actions.

“Prior to the witness and police attendance, he was assaulted outside a pub; his behaviour was aimed at the person who had gone back into the pub. He was covered in blood from the assault.

“He accepts there were a number of people present and this would have caused them distress.

“He has a number of convictions but hasn’t been before the court since January 2022. That’s because he is now completely clean of drugs, although he does still struggle with alcohol.”

Ingrid Gallagher, chair of the bench, told Burchell: “I would say this was childish behaviour but that would be an insult to children. You made a spectacle of yourself.”

Burchell was fined £80 and told to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.

County Times: