A MAN who assaulted two people after ‘bursting’ into their home described himself as ‘a loveable giant’ as he continuously interrupted his sentencing.
James Costello, of Leicester Steet, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday morning after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and two counts of common assault.
Prosecuting, Kenneth Grant told the court that on the afternoon of March 13, Costello was at a shop in Warrington when he bumped into one of the victims.
The female victim informed him that the other victim, her son, had recently lost his dog. Both of the victims were known to Costello.
The court heard that the female victim and Costello parted ways in the shop, and she noted that he had bought a bottle of vodka and ‘had white powder around his nose’.
Later, both victims were at an address in Warrington, and the male complainant was asleep on the sofa.
Mr Grant told the court that Costello ‘burst’ through the backdoor and ‘climbed’ on top of the male victim, who was also known to him, and woke him in the process.
The court heard that the victim responded ‘what the f**k are you doing’, before Costello wrapped his arms around the victims neck and interlocked his fingers, told him ‘he loved him’ and licked his face.
The male victim pushed Costello off of him, who then proceeded to kick one of the dogs at the property who were ‘getting excited’, and a swing in which a young baby was sleeping.
Then, he approached the female victim and ‘slapped her on the bum’ before he became abusive with the male victim’s partner, who was also present, and told her she ‘could be replaced’.
Mr Grant then told the court that Costello was ‘physically ejected’ from the property and left ‘without further issues’ before he was later arrested by police.
As he was arrested, the attending police officers found cocaine on the kitchen table beside a bank card and a rolled-up piece of cardboard that ‘suggested recent consumption’.
The court heard that in an interview with police, Costello told officers he had given the male victim a ‘man hug’ not realising that it ‘was not acceptable’.
An impact statement was read out to the court on behalf of the female victim, which detailed the ‘emotional impact’ the incident has had on her.
“I don’t even go to the shop now, I’m so scared to bump into him or see him,” the statement read.
The statement also noted that she can’t go to her son's house and feel ‘comfortable and safe’ anymore.
“It makes me think of the incident and I think it might happen again.”
Defending, Simeon Evans told the court that Costello has a history of 'self-medication' by ‘overindulging’ in alcohol and class A drugs, and that he believed he was behaving in a ‘brotherly way’.
“He does now very much know he can’t behave in that way,” said Mr Evans.
As his barrister spoke, Costello’s lips quivered, and he could be seen to wipe tears from his eyes.
“He is a man that can be managed in the community and a man who needn’t use up the precious resource of a prison cell,” said Mr Evans.
While passing sentence, Judge Louise Brandon was interrupted several times by the 39-year-old who repeatedly told her that he was ‘sorry’.
“I’ve very sorry your honour,” he said from the dock.
“I’m ashamed your honour.
“I realise that this got out of hand and if you give me a tag it will be the making of me.
“I just messed up that’s all. I’m really just a lovable giant, I really am.”
Costello, who has 10 previous convictions for 18 offences, was sentenced to an 18-month community order and must complete the Thinking Skills programme.
He must also complete a 12-month mental health treatment, complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and wear an alcohol tag for three months. A restraining order was also put in place for five years.
Costello continued to thank the judge and could be heard to say ‘that was so scary’ as he left the dock.
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