Drunken man caused Wolverhampton trains to be diverted
A drunken man caused trains to be diverted at Wolverhampton station after standing dangerously close to the tracks, a court was told.
John McArdle was arrested after staff reported that he was walking on the edge of the platform while drunk on July 15.
Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that McArdle was warned several times to step back from the tracks but ignored the requests. The police were called and he began to be abusive to officers.
Mr Mark Cooper, prosecuting, said: "There was genuine concern from the staff at the station that the defendant may fall off the platform. As a result, trains were diverted to other platforms to prevent any possible incident. Police attended and spoke to Mr McArdle."
Mr Cooper said that McArdle began hurling foul-mouthed abuse at the officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.
McArdle, aged 38, of Pickering Road, Wednesfield, pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
The court was told that he breached a conditional discharge handed to him last year by the same court for another offence of being drunk and disorderly.
His defence solicitor Sundip Murria said: "It is very unfortunate that Mr McArdle is before the court.
"He is a worrier and despite assurances from me he was worried that he would be sent to jail today.
"He has been taking medication to help his mental health and has a drink problem. The tablets and alcohol should not be mixed."
Magistrates fined McArdle £50 for the drunk and disorderly offence and a £50 fine for the breach of the conditional discharge.
He was told to pay £50 in court costs as well as a victim surcharge of £20.
