DRUNK MAN THREATENING BROTHERS BLAMED ON SCHIZOPHRENIA AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
A drunk man known as Jonathan Hirst, who became aggressive after consuming more than 10 pints at The Wellington pub in Batley, was found to have threatened both of his brothers with statements like 'I'll f*****g kill you!'.Prosecutors at Kirklees Magistrates' Court revealed that Hirst, aged 33, admitted to drinking to self-medicate his schizophrenia, although this worsened his condition.
On July 7, Hirst was drinking at the pub when he approached the bar asking for something sharp to harm himself.
His brother Richard was contacted and arrived at the scene.
Richard reported that Hirst was heavily intoxicated and verbally aggressive, threatening to kill him.
This led to concerns for his immediate safety as his brother believed the threat was genuine.
Hirst was taken to Dewsbury and District Hospital by police for a mental health assessment.
However, he refused to leave and injured his hand by punching the cage of the police van.
While at the hospital, he refused to cooperate with medical staff, and his other brother David was called.
During an attempt to calm him, Hirst threatened David with 'I'll f*****g kill you!'.
He continued to threaten both brothers by telling them to 'shut up or he'd kill them both'.
Hirst also admitted to police that he was an alcoholic, claiming that drinking was 'like medication' to cope with voices in his head.
His solicitor stated that Hirst had been in and out of hospital since his diagnosis a year ago, and had stopped taking medication because he believed it was ineffective.
Magistrates fined Hirst £120, along with £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
The court noted that Hirst, who resides on Fairview Crescent in Batley, is deeply ashamed of his actions.
He has since taken steps to address his issues and is no longer drinking alcohol.
