Christian Patrick Henderson-Bell (34) drove his car to Les Platons car park in Trinity and drank alcohol before he rang the owner of Beez Kneez and warned the café’s customers to move.
He drove the car at the van, causing damage, before speeding off and failing to stop for the police.
In the Royal Court yesterday, he pleaded guilty to failing to stop a vehicle, careless driving, drink-driving, malicious damage and affray.
Announcing the decision to release him on bail, Deputy Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq warned: ‘Do not take anything from the fact you have been granted bail. There are exceptional circumstances but do not take anything from it. All sentencing options are still open.’
Attorney General Robert MacRae, prosecuting, explained that on 26 April this year Henderson-Bell finished work and took Smirnoff, cranberry juice and gin with him to the car park.
He parked on the grass verge and then he spoke to the owner of the café and threatened to kill four customers who were sitting nearby. He revved his engine and drove his car towards the catering van, as the customers fled to the safety of nearby trees.
The court heard that Henderson-Bell’s car knocked over a menu sign and a bin and, as a consequence, the people were left scared and shaken.
He continued to drive around the car park until the police arrived, when he fled and refused to stop, driving at between 50 and 55mph. When he stopped at a house, he was arrested by the police and breathalysed, and was found to be more than double the legal drink-driving limit.
Mr MacRae said: ‘This is a serious case of affray, and the starting point is four years. In light of the seriousness of the offences, and the likelihood of the sentence the Crown moves for, we move for a remand in custody pending sentence.’
Advocate Michael Haines, defending, asked for a psychiatric report to be prepared and said his client had been receiving help from the mental-health services, which a remand would impact.
He was bailed pending the conclusion of reports and given an interim driving ban. He is due to be sentenced on 13 September.
