Colchester roofer Steven Hughes fined for drunken behaviour

Door staff outside The Silk Road Lounge and Cocktail Bar in St Botolph’s Street flagged down police officers after they witnessed a man assault “several people”.

When officers stopped at the scene on May 29 they saw Steven Hughes, 36, shouting at passers-by and provoking them in an attempt to spark an altercation.

Shefa Begum, prosecuting, told the court Hughes, a roofer, was seen to be swaying and smelt of alcohol.

“They [the police] were flagged down by security staff outside Silk Road who told them a male had assaulted several people who had since left without giving their details,” said Ms Begum.

“When officers arrived, Hughes was shouting at passers-by and goading them into getting involved.

Crime - the incident took place outside Silk Road

“The night was a busy one and Hughes was shouting at many people passing by.”

The prosecutor explained when a police officer approached him, Hughes became aggressive and started shouting and swearing at them, stating “I want to make a report of you”.

“He swung his arms around and his words were slurred, his behaviour was said to be aggressive,” added Ms Begum.

“Officers could smell a strong smell of intoxicating liquor on his breath and he was unsteady on his feet.”

Hughes, who has eight previous convictions for 14 offences, was then taken to Colchester Hospital to be treated for a cut on his head.

Hughes, of Beehive Court, Colchester, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Representing himself, he told the court a close friend and his aunt had both recently died, but admitted he was “quite disrespectful” on the night in question.

Chairman of the bench Samuel Harrison said: “You know and I know you haven’t offended for ten years.

“I appreciate you’re in a bad position so treat this as a blip, don’t fall back into that [offending].”

Hughes was ordered to pay £225 in costs, a fine and a surcharge.