A TEENAGER rang police and threatened to destroy a public phone while drunk days after being given a court order to tackle his alcohol problems.

Jonathon Stanley Armstrong was given a community order with supervision and an alcohol treatment requirement earlier this year.

On Friday, April 4, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe lengthened the order after he was convicted of using malicious communications and being drunk and disorderly.

On Wednesday, April 9, Armstrong, 19, of Sycamore Court in Spennymoor, got drunk again and called police from a public phone, magistrates were told this morning (April 24).

Prosecutor John Garside said Armstrong was shouting and swearing and refused to calm down after officers arrived at the phone.

Armstrong later told police he was “very drunk” and would not have carried out his threat to damage the phone, the court heard.

Warren Ridley in mitigation said Armstrong suffers mental health problems and learning difficulties which are exacerbated by his alcoholism.

Mr Ridley said the alcohol treatment is yet to start and urged magistrates to allow the court order to run so Armstrong can get the help he needs.

Mr Ridley said Armstrong has had two meetings with the probation service and signs are positive.

The court heard Armstrong, who admitted being drunk and disorderly, already owes £911.88 to the court from previous convictions.

Magistrates said a conditional discharge for nine months was the most suitable sentence.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.