Merseyside man’s shocking claims prior to abuse of Inverness bar staff
Staff at an Inverness pub were shocked when a drunk customer lay on their counter, declared he was involved in human trafficking and had been jailed in Spain for raping a girl.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 31-year-old Conor Howell, of Gladstone Road, Seacombe on Merseyside had been in the city with three friends for a court appearance on June 19 last year when the trio went to the Revolution Bar, in Church Street, and bought a 1.75ml bottle of vodka to drink between them.
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Fiscal depute Victoria Silver told Sheriff Gary Aitken: "Conor Howell jumped on the bar and made comments about having been in a Spanish jail, was involved in human trafficking and had raped a girl.
"He then made grinding movements while lying on the bar. He was told many times to get off and that they all had to leave. Staff contacted police because staff feared the situation may escalate."
Howell's co-accused Sean Gates, of Wentworth Avenue, Wallasey on Merseyside made a derogatory remark to one of the employees, Ms Silver added.
When they all tried to leave with the bottle of vodka, they made further offensive remarks to a female member of staff.
Police were informed and Howell and Gates were tracked down in Huntly Street where Howell resisted arrest by waving his arms, pushing against the officers and attempting to kick out.
Ms Silver said he had to be put to the ground to be restrained.
Howell admitted resisting or obstructing police in the course of their duty, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner. Gates pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
Howell had sentence deferred until March 20 for a background report and was warned by Sheriff Aitken that he could be jailed. Gates was fined a total of £840.
