A DRUNKEN scaffolder who swore and held up traffic in Bicester has been given further unpaid work after breaching the requirements of his sentence.

Stephen Bubb, 34, stopped vehicles in their tracks as he stumbled along Banbury Road, Bicester, on September 25 2021. He made rude gestures at the drivers and shouted obscenities.

He turned his attention to a couple who were walking their dog, shouting in the face of the male partner.

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Feeling threatened, the man defended himself and his wife – with Bubb coming off worse in the confrontation.

In June 2022, he was sentenced to a two-year community order to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation activity days, and a 12-month alcohol treatment programme.

Recorder John Ryder QC said it was ‘to his credit’ that the husband had decided to defend himself against the defendant.

“Anyone drunk, wandering in and out of the road, waving their arms about, shouting abuse is always rather alarming, particularly if they come anywhere near any individuals walking around,” the judge said.

However, Bubb, of Chantenay Close, Bicester, appeared in Oxford Crown Court on Monday (March 25) charged with missing two unpaid work sessions, one office appointment and one telephone appointment.

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Speaking to Judge Nigel Daly, Bubb said he had been struggling with mental health and had attempted to speak to his probation officer about missing appointments.

He said: “When I see probation I will be seen for five minutes and then I’ll be sent out so I don’t feel like I’m getting the support I need.

“Sometimes I miss the calls. I bury my head in the sand with my depression.

Judge Daly replied: “I understand you have depression but if you cannot do the parts of your community order, you have to contact probation staff to say why not. It doesn’t take a lot even if you are suffering from depression.

“If you can’t do it, you must present medical evidence why not.”

It was heard that it would now be difficult for Bubb to finish his unpaid work, about 50 hours, within the remaining time of the community order.

Judge Daly decided to revoke the existing community order and put a new 12-month order in place for Bubb to complete the work and rehabilitation activity days.

“Start afresh and get on with it,” he said.

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During the committal for breaches, it was also heard that Bubb had been unable to obtain legal representation.

He said he had called them and contacted through social media but had had no response.

It was decided the case could resume without it.