Bishop Auckland pepper-sprayed pub sex pair in court

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-33482896

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A drunken couple who were pepper-sprayed after being caught having sex in a pub toilet have admitted using threatening behaviour.

Lee Hopps, 30, and Hayley McClory, 23, of Farm Close, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, were heard in a cubicle in The Stanley Jefferson pub in the town.

Police were called after they refused to leave. Hopps swore at a staff member and made threats and McClory was carried out of the pub semi-naked.

Hopps was fined £425 and McClory £75.

Hopps, a roofer, also admitted resisting an officer.

McClory had previously admitted causing criminal damage to a police blanket worth £10.46.

Michael Rose, prosecuting, told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court: "A member of staff went to the female toilets and naturally drew the obvious conclusion as to what might be going on."

Two special constables arrived and told the couple to come out, but they refused.

'Somewhat distressed condition'

Mr Rose said: "Hopps comes out approaching the officer in such an aggressive manner that he draws his spray and directs it towards Mr Hopps.

"He is taken to the ground by the officer and arrested.

"Meanwhile, Miss McClory comes out of the toilet in a somewhat distressed condition. She is half-naked and her trousers are around her legs.

"She moves towards the officers in a similar aggressive manner and she, too, is sprayed."

The couple, who have since split up, also both admitted a public order offence.

Andrew Clinton, defending, said: "At the time these defendants were in the middle of a breakdown in their relationship.

"It was long-term; it lasted eight years. It is fair to say neither can actually recall an awful lot of what went on in that pub."

Hopps was also ordered to pay £142 costs and McClory £130.