Police Criticized for Arresting 'Jesus' After Bridge Incident
A 53-year-old man, Lee Bodman, was fined £50 for being drunk on a highway after an incident on a bridge in Hanley.
According to prosecutor Suzanne Swindail, a third party called the police at 8pm on August 19, reporting a man on a bridge who appeared to be under the influence and was concerned he was going to jump off.
Rather than wrap their arms around him they decided to prosecute him
Defending, Sarah Bedford stated that Bodman was in a suicidal state at the time and had 72 previous convictions for 155 offences. Bodman had consumed four to five cans of beer and initially refused to give his name, claiming to be Jesus.
Author's summary: Man fined for being drunk on highway after bridge incident.
- Man's name: Lee Bodman
- Age: 53
- Location: Hanley bridge
- Date: August 19
- Fine: £50