A man known for causing trouble and disruption in his community has once again found himself behind bars after breaching a community behaviour order for the 14th time. Paul Lee, who is prohibited from being intoxicated in public, was arrested in Bishop Auckland, last month.
Lee, 45, admitted to breaching the criminal behaviour order on two separate occasions in September. Additionally, he also admitted to causing damage to a police station cell during his time in custody. According to the prosecutor, Lee’s behavior was described as bothersome and drew attention from members of the public.
The incidents occurred when Lee was seen touching the bags of a group of women and seeking hugs. The women confronted him and urged him to stop, but his responses were unsatisfactory, prompting them to contact the police. Lee was arrested shortly after.
Lee, who has 161 previous convictions, many of them for breaching the behaviour order, is said to have a bipolar disorder. His defense attorney acknowledged that his breaches were intentional and admitted that the incident in the cell was unpleasant. She also mentioned that Lee had been in custody for over a month.
During the court hearing at Durham Crown Court, Judge James Adkin reminded Lee that the community order was meant to discourage him from getting drunk, abusing drugs, and irritating the public. The judge sentenced him to six months in prison, with a 25% discount for his guilty plea. Upon his release, Lee will be subject to a 12-month supervision period, during which the Probation Service will provide assistance in finding him suitable accommodation and ensuring he stays away from alcohol and drugs.
It is paramount for Lee to confront his response to alcohol and find healthy ways to cope upon his eventual release. The defense attorney mentioned that he suffered from bipolar disorder since childhood, highlighting the need for appropriate treatment and support.
Lee’s repeated breaches of the community behaviour order raise concerns about the effectiveness of such orders in dealing with individuals with persistent behavioural issues. The case prompts a broader discussion about the management of individuals with complex needs within the criminal justice system.
Overall, this latest development serves as a reminder that tackling anti-social behaviour and repeat offending requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues and provides the necessary support for rehabilitation and reintegration.
