Hartlepool man admits he was 'blaked' after threatening neighbour who refused four times to have a drink with him

A Hartlepool man said he was ‘blaked’ when he threatened his neighbour because he wouldn’t have a drink with him.
Teesside Magistrates' Court in Middlesbrough. Copyright: Google StreetviewTeesside Magistrates' Court in Middlesbrough. Copyright: Google Streetview
Teesside Magistrates' Court in Middlesbrough. Copyright: Google Streetview

Robert Herring, 34, of the town’s Flint Walk pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening behaviour when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Herring wouldn’t take no for an answer and went around to Emil Lavoie’s house four times asking him to have a drink with him.

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Lynne Dalton, prosecuting, said the pair were neighbours and would sometimes have a drink together.

She said at around noon on November 6, Herring went to Mr Lavoie’s and asked him to have a drink with him, he said no because he thought the defendant was already intoxicated and Herring left.

However, he returned, and Ms Dalton said: “He said the defendant began to get agitated. He was not happy that Mr Lavoie did not want to drink alcohol with him.”

Herring left but returned for a third time and was angry and offering Mr Lavoie outside for a fight.

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Ms Dalton said: “He told him to leave a number of times and said he didn’t want him to return.”

She said Herring returned for a fourth time and was banging on the door, shouting and swearing.

The prosecutor said: “Because he was scared Mr Lavoie picked up a hammer and went to the door. He kept the hammer behind his back.

“The defendant asked what he had behind his back. Mr Lavoie said he had a hammer and wanted him to leave.

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“The defendant said ‘I am going to get a weapon, I am going home to look for one and then I am coming back here’.”

Herring, who works in the car manufacturing industry, left and the victim telephoned the police who arrested the defendant at his home.

Andy McGee, defending, said Herring, a dad-of-two, had drank with his neighbour before and wanted to again.

He said: “He said ‘I was blaked and have apologised. I can’t really remember what I have said’.”

Herring was fined £198 and ordered to pay £50 compensation, £50 costs and a £32 surcharge.