A JUDGE refused to sentence a Barrow man with ‘an appalling drinking problem’ after he showed up to his sentencing hearing ‘blind drunk’.

Luke Woodburn, of Salthouse Road, Barrow, was due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court for two counts of using threatening/abusive /insulting words/behaviour to cause/harassment /alarm/distress on March 3 this year.

The 27-year-old also stands to be punished for counts of assault by beating and the common assault of an emergency worker in Barrow on the same date in question.

His barrister Caitlen Corrigan apologised to the court for his behaviour and said she had not been able to see her client in conference having been escorted into the dock by security staff.

His Honour Judge Michael Maher said he was left with no other option but to adjourn the sentencing exercise.

In response to his barrister’s submission, Judge Maher said: “You do not need to apologise at all. I do not think it is safe for you to be taking instructions.

“I have been told security had to hold him at reception. He has an appalling drinking problem.

“Emergency services are at risk and that involves yourself. I cannot sentence him in a state like this.”

When addressing the defendant, Judge Maher added: “You turned up to court blind drunk. Therefore, these proceedings cannot continue.”

The case was not formally opened by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The judge remanded Woodburn into custody and re-fixed the sentencing hearing for October 24.

Woodburn was verbally abusive and squared up to a security guard when the judge said he was being remanded.

He had to be dragged out of the back door by two other security guards.