Probation for man found 'growling like a tiger'

Police find 45-year-old in car park hours after releasing him from custody

A Douglas man has been ordered to work with the probation service for a year after being found ‘growling like a tiger’ in a car park.

Jonathan Taylor, of Fairfield Terrace, admitted being drunk in a public place and being drunk and disorderly, during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse.

Police were called to Tynwald Street at 6.15am on Monday (11 September) after a member of the public raised the alarm – they found the 45-year-old drinking from a bottle of vodka.

The day before, on 10 September, officers had arrested Taylor - again on Tynwald Street - after finding him ‘screaming at the top of his lungs’ whilst sitting in his car just before 2.30pm.

He was slurring and smelt of intoxicants and was surrounded by beer and vodka bottles; he was taken to Police Headquarters and released from custody just after midnight.

Taylor’s advocate told the court his client was suffering from PTSD and often screams in his sleep adding: "He has no memory of screaming or growling like a tiger."

"He’s going through some difficulties at the moment," he added: "Alcohol is performing something of a crutch."

A probation officer told the court the unemployed delivery driver was 'severely struggling' with his mental health and had contacted the Crisis Response and Home Treatment Team for support but to no avail.

"He’s clearly battling his mental health problems on a daily basis," he added telling the court there was a lack of support available to him at this time.

Imposing a six-month alcohol ban, and ordering Taylor to pay prosecution costs of £125, Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told him she hoped he gets the support he needs.