A Merseyside man has been convicted of a string of offences, which he committed whilst drunkenly masquerading as a police officer.
Stephen Monaghan, 37, of Stamford Road, Birkdale, admitted the following offences when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday, 21st May 2021:
- Impersonating a police officer - an offence under section 90 of the Police Act 1996. The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine;
- Driving whilst unfit through drink - an offence under section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine;
- Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place - an offence under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. The maximum penalty is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 4 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
The court heard that Monaghan attempted to steal a bottle of wine from the Costcutter store on Cemetery Road in Southport on 20th March 2021.
He was wearing full police uniform at the time, which included a police-like radio, handcuffs and baton.
The Walter Mitty character, who was unsteady on his feet, told the cashier that he didn't need to pay for the wine because he was on duty.
Olivia Brady, prosecuting, described how Monaghan left the shop empty-handed and got into his Volkswagen Polo parked nearby. He was observed reversing onto the main road, before stalling the vehicle and struggling to park up again.
A passing retired police officer noticed Monaghan as he then exited the Polo. The witness was concerned about Monaghan's welfare, as he appeared unsteady on his feet and had difficulty standing up.
The witness, who believed Monaghan to be a genuine police officer, called 999 to report that he "appeared unwell or was under the influence".
Officers arrived a short time later and found several items of police equipment in Monaghan's car.
He was arrested and taken to Copy Lane Police Station, where he provided an evidential specimen of breath containing 93 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which is almost three-times the prescribed limit of 35 microgrammes.
Ms Brady noted that Monaghan had previous convictions for impersonating a police officer and possession of an offensive weapon.
Lois Cullen, mitigating, told the court that Monaghan had taken part in role play and re-enactments at a previous place of work. His fascination in dressing up as a police officer had "escalated" to him going out in public.
"The reason it escalated is probably because of his mental health problems," Ms Cullen said.
She went on to explain that Monaghan, who is a manager for a waste management company, had experienced the breakdown of his marriage and increased pressures at work arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
Her client had started to take a combination of prescription medication and alcohol, which left him unable to sleep "for two or three days" and he "effectively fell into some sort of psychosis".
Ms Cullen added that her client had been taken steps to address his mental health difficulties, including visits to his GP and a therapist.
District Judge James Hatton, sentencing, said: "It is quite frankly bizarre and child-like behaviour."
He indicated that he had "just about been persuaded that it would be unjust to impose a custodial sentence" and was of the view that Monaghan could be rehabilitated in the community.
Monaghan was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with the requirement that he completes up to 20 days' rehabilitation activity and 240 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
The Judge also made additional orders disqualifying Monaghan from driving for 28 months and forfeiting the police uniform and baton.
Monaghan replied: "I don't want any of it back."
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