A MAN locked up over the weekend after turning up at court drunk has been granted bail, having pledged to address his alcohol issues.

Ryan Piggford appeared to be inebriated as he struggled into the dock at Durham Crown Court for a plea hearing on Friday.

Judge Ray Singh said the defendant was in no fit state to follow proceedings and so remanded him in custody at nearby HMP Durham over the weekend.

Piggford was produced in court for the re-scheduled hearing yesterday (Monday June 27), when he appeared coherent and sober.

A charge of burglary of a house in Chester-le-Street, on August 7 last year, in which £300 and a Kindle computer were taken, was put to him.

He denied the offence, saying while he had been to the property he did not steal the money and computer.

Judge James Adkin adjourned for a trial to take place at the court, on Tuesday August 16.

Read more: Drunk defendant at Durham court in no fit state to follow proceedings

Addressing the issue of his bail status, Piggford’s counsel, Rebecca Brown, told Judge Adkin her client had been on conditional bail prior to Friday’s hearing.

“He has not committed further offences and it was simply his presentation at court on Friday.

“Given he has seen the consequences of what happens when he turns up at court in an inebriated state I would suggest he should be allowed the chance to turn up on time and in a fit state.

“He's alcohol dependent but apologised for how he turned up at court.

“When he gets out he has pledged to seek assistance.”

Judge Adkin agreed to grant bail to the 39-year-old defendant, of Church Street, Ferryhill, but said he should turn up at court on August 15, the day preceding the now scheduled trial.

The judge warned the defendant: “If you turn up drunk you will be remanded in custody again.”

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