Peacemaker in court over weapon

A DRUNKEN teenager who tried to break up a fight was arrested for brandishing a four foot fence post.

Jobless Clinton Bragg admitted carrying an offensive weapon – namely the post – after a night out in Felixstowe.

"While he was on his way home he witnessed a large male fighting with a smaller male and intervened in the fight," said Lesla Small prosecuting at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court.

Bragg, of Runnacles Way, Felixstowe, was punched for his troubles, the court heard.

"This caused him to flip out and loosing his temper he pulled a wooden fence post from a residential garden," said Ms Small.

When officers arrived they saw the 19-year-old holding the post on his shoulders.

"Standing in front of him was the unknown male who had punched him," Ms Small told magistrates.

"He [Bragg] was shouting and swearing at the other male. He was extremely angry and continued to shout and swear. They [the officers] tried to calm him down and he refused to calm down. He stated he was going to hit the other male with the post."

In police interview Bragg said it was wrong to take the post and did not intend to swing it.

"He is remorseful about what he did," said Dino Barricella, mitigating.

"It was unfortunate for Bragg that the police saw the tail end of what was going on.

"It is to his credit that he got involved in the fight and was there to prevent crime and stop it getting out of hand. For his troubles he got punched by the larger man."

Mr Barricella said Bragg picked up the post in the spur of the moment.

"He did this in self defence," he said.

"When the police arrived what he should have done is to put down the fence and walk away. But he still carries on wielding it about and argues with the police officers."

Bench chairwoman Jane Fiske sentenced Bragg to a four month curfew order, confining him to his house between 8pm and 5am.

He was also ordered to pay £50 costs.