A 35-year-old man who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a police car in Bath and wrecked roof tiles on a property in Southdown has admitted both offences.
Simon Pearson, whose current address is HM Prison Bristol, appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 13th August.
With a violent history and having made a bid to escape from the court during an appearance in 2017, magistrates were asked to consider whether Pearson should appear in the dock in handcuffs.
Legal guidance states that unless there is a real risk of either violence or escape, a defendant ought not to be visibly restrained by handcuffs either in the dock or witness box.
Magistrates declined the application after hearing there had not been issues with his behaviour at recent court appearances.
Three prison officers brought him up from the cells and stood with him in the dock.
The court heard that Pearson had been recalled to prison after committing offences whilst on licence.
On 3rd July he caused criminal damage of £1,800 to roof ridge tiles at a property at Roundhill Park belonging to Curo Housing Association.
Then, on Monday, 11th August, he deliberately damaged a police car at Avon Street car park. He climbed on the roof and bonnet of the Vauxhall Corsa and stamped on the windscreen. The cost of the damage has been put at £3,998.60.
Bath magistrates adjourned the case to Bristol Magistrates’ Court where Pearson is due to appear by video link from prison on Tuesday 26th August.
