Angmering man threw brick at police

Thomas Towey, 20, of Parsons Close, Angmering, pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Monday to causing fear through unlawful violence.

The court heard police were called to the family home on March 20 after Towey’s mum became worried about his behaviour and feared he had a knife.

When they arrived he was outside smoking a cigarette, refused to answer their questions and picked up a brick from a nearby barbecue.

Prosecutor, Carolyn Scott, said Towey appeared to be in an “agitated state” and became abusive to the police, demanding to see his grandmother who died a year earlier.

In a “weak throw” he aimed the brick at the police but before he could pick up another brick, officers tackled him.

John Naylor, for Towey, said it was a “sad state of affairs”. He blamed his client’s actions on depression. “It manifests itself in a strange way. From time to time he goes out and binge drinks.

“His parents are trying to limit the amount of money he has access to, to prevent him from drinking too much.”

Chairman of the bench, Pat Town, said magistrates had been considering other options including custody before imposing the conditional discharge, with £85 prosecution costs.

She added he must get help for his depression and drink problem.