A ‘family man’ smeared blood over a police van after an argument with his girlfriend whilst high on cocaine and under the influence of alcohol.
Kieran Holmes, 29, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of cocaine at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (8 March).
Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said police officers were called to reports of a domestic disturbance at the defendant’s address in Old School Couty, Park North, Swindon, on 26 January this year.
On arrival, they were forced to arrest Holmes to prevent a breach of the peace.
He was found to have a cut to his finger, sustained prior to the police arriving on scene. The defendant refused first aid and was placed into the police van cage.
During transit to Gablecross custody, Holmes was seen to drip and smear blood over the cage. As a result, Wiltshire Police had to order a deep clean of the van.
The court heard that Holmes has a number of previous drugs offences.
Liz Highams, defending, said her client “fully accepts he is an idiot when he is drunk”, labelling the incident “a blip”.
She said the defendant has previously served a community order, which helped him address his drug issues. Ms Highams claimed he “doesn’t do anywhere near as much drugs as before”.
“He says he is a family man and sees his son every weekend”, she added. Ms Highams said Holmes is working as a groundworker working six days in each week.
Magistrates fined him £300 and told him to pay compensation to Wiltshire Police of £50. He must also pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
