A SOLICITOR told magistrates it was "no mean feat" that his client had turned up sober for his court hearing.
Rob Langton said Darren Capewell usually entered Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court "from the cells and not via the landing" when he appeared to be sentenced for his latest offence.
The hearing heard that Capewell, 34, had walked into the Royal Telegraph pub, in London Road, Derby, on the morning to August 8.
The landlord recognised him as someone barred from entering after he had previously assaulted a female member of staff.
Lynne Manning, prosecuting, said the landlord tried to remove him from the pub and Capewell, of Burton Road, became verbally abusive before spitting in his face.
Then, later the same day, police were called to St Peter's Street, Derby, where Capewell was being verbally abusive to passers-by.
Mr Langton, for Capewell, said his client had a number of previous convictions for similar offences and had only been released from an 18-week sentence 10 days before the two latest incidents took place.
He told the bench of magistrates: "I expect that all of you have had to deal with Mr Capewell on a number of occasions before.
"Today is a huge difference for him though, as he has come into court via the landing and not through the back door (the cells).
"He has been a chronic heavy drinker for a long period.
"To get Darren Capewell to court today sitting there sober is no mean feat.
"But he has had recent contact with an organisation that can help him and other people with mental health and other complex problems.
"He has not drunk for three days and for someone like Darren Capewell to achieve that is awesome."
Capewell pleaded guilty to assault and using threatening behaviour.
Magistrates handed him a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
