Alcoholic fighting addiction knocked on neighbours’ doors asking for money: court hears

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Published on 04/10/2012 16:54

AN alcoholic who refused to leave a town centre pub and then knocked on neighbours’ doors asking for money has appeared in court.

Jacqueline Byrne, who confessed to fighting alcohol addiction, was asked to leave the Corn Exchange in Hailsham.

Police were called to that incident and then received a call from the Railway Tavern where the 45-year-old had moved on to.

Eastbourne magistrates heard that the defendant was also causing problems there and was advised by police to go home and given a dispersal notice from Hailsham town centre.

However, shortly at around 9.40pm on the same night a distressed Byrne was at the Boship Farm Hotel disturbing guests and people in the restaurant.

She then knocked on doors at some cottages and asked people for money.

At a hearing on Tuesday September 25 she pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Representing herself an apologetic Byrne said what she had done was ‘terrible’, adding, “For quite a number of years I’ve been fighting alcohol addiction, I’ve attended rehab a few times, attended Action For Change and attend AA.

“I do quite well with not drinking. I don’t want to drink, unfortunately I relapsed. I had a lovely part time job and I was made redundant and it threw me a little bit.

“I’ve just started a new job, it’s a bit scary, I need to make this job work.

“My Nan passed away, my dad had not been well a while ago, he’s now not well again.

It’s caused me a lot of stress, I don’t know why, I’m also seeing a psychiatrist.

“I don’t know why I relapsed but I did. It’s not something I’m proud of.

“I’m taking more pills to stop the cravings. I’m back on my positive step again, I’m just embarrassed about it. I’m so sorry.”

Byrne was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 court costs.

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Alcoholic fighting addiction knocked on neighbours’ doors asking for money: court hears

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