Exclusive:Shoplifter who threatened police officer with a knife held in custody after crown court frenzy
A sentencing hearing quickly got out of control as a defendant became increasingly aggressive in the dock.
A man who appeared in court for sentencing had to be taken into the cells after spiralling into a frenzy - and will now have to wait until next week to learn his fate.
At Portsmouth Crown Court this morning (Friday, August 14), Michael Valentine was due to be sentenced for two counts of shoplifting, one count of threatening a person with an offensive weapon, and one count of assaulting a police constable.
Valentine, from Sparrow Close in Waterlooville, had previously indicated guilty pleas to all charges.
Upon appearing in the dock, Valentine first yelled at the court’s legal adviser - saying he could not hear her - before shouting to Recorder Richard Tutt to “just get on with it”.
Despite his solicitor, Bridget O’Hagan, advising him to “shut up”, Valentine became more and more aggressive, to the point his case had to be adjourned. The court heard he had been drinking in the build-up to his hearing.
Ms O’Hagan said: “You may deem him unfit [to be in court] - I have refused to act for Valentine before.”
Judge, Recorder Richard Tutt, decided to remand the defendant in custody while he adjourned the case, and said: “Valentine can be taken downstairs, for the time being.”
Valentine said: “What do you mean, custody? Nobody’s touching me. I’m not going into a cell.”
With clenched fists, Valentine was eventually taken down to the cells - where he was promised a cup of tea and space to calm down.
Having been remanded in custody, Valentine will now be sentenced on Friday, August 21.