A MAN lay down in front of a police van and caused traffic chaos because he was missing his dog.

Steven Jackson, of Arkle Road, Droitwich, lay down in front of the police van – which was taking people back to the police station – on The Cross, in Worcester, on Friday, May 20.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said it was about 1.40pm when Jackson approached the van, which was waiting in a queue of traffic, and asked the officers for 60p so he could make a phone call to arrange a time to visit his dog.

The officers refused, so the 34-year-old lay down in front of the van and refused to get up until he was given the money – causing the traffic to back up until the police were able to move him.

The next day, Jackson was caught stealing a bottle of red wine from Tesco Express.

He pleaded guilty to shoplifting and being drunk and disorderly in a public place. Andy Childs, defending, said his client was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact his dog was living with his former partner.

Mr Childs said: “What triggered the events of this 24-hour period was the fact he was quite depressed. His long-term relationship had broken down and his ex-partner had kept the dog.

“The dog is very close to Jackson’s heart, and he was missing the contact he had with his dog “He wanted to make the call so he could organise contact with his dog.”

Jackson, who has custody of the couple’s daughter, said: “I want my dog back. It’s my baby.”

Mr Childs added there were long-term issues including the fact Jackson has had an alcohol problem for a number of years and he has been diagnosed with mental health issues.

Sentencing, deputy district judge Bruce Morgan said: “You quite clearly have personal problems.”

Jackson was given a 12-month conditional discharge.