AN alcoholic was found by police lying drunk on the floor of a Galashiels bank, breaching the terms of his antisocial behaviour order (ASBO).
Garry McElrath, 30, of Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to being drunk and incapable of looking after himself to the alarm of others at Lloyds TSB in Channel Street.
Fiona Caldwell, prosecuting, said an ASBO had been issued at Jedburgh Sheriff Court in February last year regarding his drunken behaviour.
But she added: “About 5pm on Thursday, October 18, the accused entered the Lloyds TSB in Galashiels where he was incoherent and it was unclear what he required from staff.
“He was heard to swear various times and he was asked to leave the bank. He ended up lying on the floor of the bank and police were summoned.
“At about 5.20pm police found him lying on the floor of the bank and unable to stand up. He was assisted to his feet, but he was extremely drunk and smelling strongly of alcohol.” The prosecutor went on: “A check was made and it was found he was subject to an ASBO which prevented him from behaving in a drunken manner. He was taken to Borders General Hospital and checked over before being released back into police custody.”
The prosecutor said McElrath’s ASBO was due to expire in February and asked for consideration to be given to extending the order.
Defence lawyer Matt Patrick admitted: “He is an alcoholic and until his problem is addressed he is going to have these problems.”
Sheriff Donald Corke deferred sentence for four weeks for a report by the Borders Community Addication Team (BCAT) to be produced and other reports related to his drinking.
He released McElrath on bail until a court hearing on December 3 and said: “You are making a nuisance of yourself, but you are maybe killing yourself. So we have to try and help you and also help the public.”