A HOMELESS alcoholic known by police in Darlington and Bishop Auckland was yesterday given an absolute discharge after being verbally abusive.
John Reintoul, 51, of no fixed address, is subject to an anti-social behaviour order because of his repeat offending while drunk.
Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe heard that he could not remember being arrested by police in Bishop Auckland on Saturday.
Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, said: "The police were called to a report of a man lying unconscious in the road."
He said officers called an ambulance, at which point Reintoul became abusive. He continued to be abusive at the hospital.
Clive Booth, for Reintoul, described his client as a "chronic alcoholic". He said he was living on the streets but hoped to find suitable accommodation following an appointment yesterday.
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