More probation support for Douglas man found drunk in public

64-year-old 'deeply ashamed' by behaviour

A Douglas man has been ordered to work with the probation service for another year after being found ‘unresponsive’ on a bench.

Members of the public raised concerns about Gary Wilson, of Christian Road, after spotting him by the war memorial on Harris Promenade at 11.15am on 4 July.

Police struggled to rouse the 64-year-old who was drunk; he had to be taken to Noble’s Hospital by ambulance.

Just over three weeks later, on 28 July, Wilson was found at Ramsey Bus Station, just after 10pm, in a ‘highly intoxicated state’.

At Douglas Courthouse he admitted two offences of being drunk in public.

The prosecutor described him as having a ‘significant drink problem’ telling the court: “Unless he helps himself he’ll come back before the court again.”

A probation officer told the court Wilson was ‘deeply ashamed’ by his behaviour adding: “There are no quick fixes. He does not want to be in this position.”

Wilson’s advocate said his client’s trigger was ‘bad news’ - particularly around his health. “Mr Wilson clearly has an unhealthy and toxic relationship with alcohol,” he conceded.  

Imposing a new 12-month probation order, and ordering him to pay £125 in prosecution costs, Magistrates described the case as a ‘sad matter’ adding: “We certainly wish you well.”