Police officers attempted to assist a heavily intoxicated man who couldn’t recall his address, but the situation took a turn for the worse when he started a fire in the back of the police van while they were driving through the streets. The incident involving Anthony Hewitt unfolded at Swansea Crown Court, where it was revealed that the 21-year-old had a history of 26 prior offences, including arson, assaults, and criminal damage.
Despite the chaotic situation, Hewitt’s advocate highlighted that he had shown signs of improvement since the drunken incident. The court heard that on the particular evening in question, Hewitt, in a drunken state, was spotted running into traffic in the St Thomas area of Swansea. Concerned citizens alerted the police, who located him and attempted to ascertain his home address due to his extreme level of intoxication.
Efforts to locate his residence led to a scenario where Hewitt, unable to provide his address, was being driven around the blocks of flats in Penlan, where he was suspected to live. As tensions escalated, Hewitt, in a fit of aggression, used a cigarette lighter to ignite latex gloves in the van, leading to smoke filling the vehicle and necessitating Hewitt’s arrest.
Upon reaching Swansea Central police station, Hewitt further aggravated the situation by spitting at an officer, resulting in an additional charge of assaulting a police officer. Despite the troubling series of events, Hewitt’s lawyer referenced his troubled background and subsequent efforts to stabilise his life, including forming a new relationship and becoming a father.
In response to these circumstances, Recorder Aidan Eardley KC ordered an 18-month community order for Hewitt, mandating him to complete a rehabilitation course and 130 hours of unpaid work. The court acknowledged Hewitt’s challenges and emphasised the importance of addressing his underlying issues to prevent future incidents.