Police Criticized for Arresting 'Jesus' After Bridge Incident
A 53-year-old man, Lee Bodman, was fined £50 for being drunk on a highway after an incident on Hanley bridge.
According to prosecutor Suzanne Swindail, a third party called the police at 8pm on August 19, reporting a man on the bridge who appeared to be under the influence and was concerned he might jump off.
Rather than wrap their arms around him they decided to prosecute him.
Bodman, who has 72 previous convictions for 155 offences, initially refused to give his name to police, stating it was "Jesus". He later admitted to consuming four to five cans of beer.
His mitigator, Sarah Bedford, argued that Bodman was in a suicidal state at the time and was threatening to jump off the bridge.
Author's summary: Man fined for being drunk on a highway after bridge incident.
- Man's name: Lee Bodman
- Age: 53
- Fine: £50
- Previous convictions: 72
- Previous offences: 155