(Image: Stuart Boulton)
A drunk who wrecked a woman’s car and threatened to kill a man has narrowly avoided prison.
Callum Murphy frightened both victims as he damaged the car while heavily intoxicated.
The 26-year-old has started tackling his alcohol problem after his life spiralled out of control, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.
Prosecutor Syed Ali said Murphy terrified the woman by walking towards her before climbing onto her vehicle in a Consett car park.
He said: “He stomped on the bonnet and the windscreen causing the glass to shatter and break.
“He then climbed onto the roof of the vehicle and walked to the rear of the vehicle and jumped off.”
Mr Ali said a man confronted Murphy about his behaviour, prompting the defendant to threaten to kill him.
The court heard how Murphy assaulted two police officers called to his home after a dispute with his father.
Mr Ali said Murphy knocked over one officer when he swung his arm back and pushed another as he resisted arrest.
Murphy, of Pemberton Road, Consett, admitted criminal damage and a public order offence committed on March 3.
He also admitted two counts of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest on July 3.
His lawyer, David Malone, said Murphy’s drinking caused his troubles and he was now seeking help.
“He has little recollection of what happened during either event due to the level of his inebriation at the time,” Mr Malone said.
Mr Malone said Murphy suffered his own punishment for damaging the car when he seriously injured his ankle jumping from its roof.
Professor Ian Neal, chairman of the bench, told Murphy the magistrates had seriously considered sending him straight to prison.
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“You have a history and it appears to be getting worse and it is down to your drinking,” he said.
“It has become a bit of a problem and you need to do something about it.”
Murphy received a 12-month community order and was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay the woman £550 compensation, the officers £50 each and £199 in court costs.