A MAN told magistrates he could not pay £56 owed to the courts for being drunk and disorderly as he only had £5 in his pocket.
Jason Towers was found slumped in his street and his eyes glazed over by police, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.
The 48-year-old, of Chestnut Walk, Worcester, admitted being drunk and disorderly in the offence on December 22 last year.
Fatima Yasmin, prosecuting, told the court police originally attended Chestnut Walk that night at 8.25pm following reports of a man shouting in the street.
Officers found Towers slumped against a wall and not willing to engage with them.
Miss Yasmin said Towers was only identified through a bank card that was in his possession.
Officers spoke to an informant who said Towers had been shouting profanity in the street before police had arrived.
"They said he had also kicked over wheelie bins," Miss Yasmin said.
"Wheelie bins were on their side (in the street)."
The prosecutor added an aggravating factor in the case was that Towers had previous convictions, including three for being drunk and disorderly - the last dating back to 2009.
Towers, who represented himself, told the court the offence had happened after a 20-year relationship had ended.
"I just want to say I'm really ashamed of myself," Towers said.
"I'm truly sorry."
Towers explained he had been discharged from the Air Force and was now getting help from them.
He added he was currently unable to work due to his injuries.
Ian Latimer, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "It is a shame you are here.
"It [the behaviour] is not acceptable is it?" to which Towers replied "No sir".
The chairman told Towers he would be fined £40, and was also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £56.
Due to Towers' limited means there was no award for court costs.
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Towers was asked how he could pay the £56 total, to which Towers replied he couldn't as he only £5 in his pocket.
Magistrates agreed the total could be deduced from his benefits.
The case was heard on Thursday, (January 19).
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