Judge warns 20-year-old that he "won't get a second chance"

Thursday 15 October 2020

A young man has been sentenced for disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest and for threatening to punch the doctor who attended him in custody.

It was 01:55 on 22 August when police officers arrived in Le Truchot to find Owen Payne, 20, being restrained by others.

Payne was swearing at people and officers warned him about his behaviour. 

"He was quite arrogant and goading the police to arrest him," said Crown Prosecutor Chris Dunford of Payne's behaviour. "He was struggling and physically pulling away from [the officers]."

Payne directed a volley of abuse towards a female officer and, when medically examined at the police station, threatened to "punch the doctor in the balls."

Advocate Sam Maindonald emphasised her client's young age and the absence of any prior convictions. "My client had entered a guilty plea without seeing any of the footage and without being given an interview," she said. 

Pictured: Payne was taken to the police station and refused to allow the doctor to perform a medical check-up. 

"The reality is that he has not sought to contest any of the officers' accounts as to his behaviour. He has shown insight into his behaviour and has not consumed any more alcohol since the incident."

Judge Gary Perry commended the defendant for cooperating with the investigation and for recognising that his behaviour on that summer night was "appalling", in particular threatening a doctor who was trying to help him in custody. 

Judge Perry said Payne was at a crossroads and urged him to take the right path.

"If you keep doing this then I'll be see you on a regular basis," he said. "If you come back with similar behaviour you will not get another chance."

Payne was sentenced to carry out 80 hours of community service for disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.