A woman in Wales has been sentenced to jail for breaching a court order that prohibited her from using threatening or abusive language in public places. Paula Clutton, aged 42, had been subject to a criminal behaviour order (CBO) since January last year due to her disruptive behaviour. Despite the order, Clutton was found swearing at staff in a Welsh pub for refusing to serve her when she was intoxicated on July 24.
During a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court, it was revealed that Clutton had been banned from using foul language or intimidating behaviour in public for three years, following an incident. The court heard how she defiantly exclaimed, “You can’t f****** tell me what to do,†and tried to re-enter the pub even after being asked to leave. Clutton had a history of breaching the order, previously shouting abusive language in another incident back in March in Cemaes Bay.
Clutton’s defence lawyer acknowledged her struggles with alcohol and drugs and highlighted her difficulty in reforming her behaviour upon returning to Beaumaris. Despite her lawyer’s plea for leniency, the judge, Huw Rees, sentenced Clutton to eight months in jail, emphasising the persistent nature of her offending. The judge warned Clutton that her sentences would escalate if she continued her disruptive behaviour.
The court heard how Clutton’s actions had not only embarrassed herself but also the staff and customers at the pub. Despite pleading ignorance of the court order to the police officers at the scene, Clutton was held accountable for her repeated breaches. The judge stressed the importance of Clutton adhering to the terms of the court order and urged her to refrain from further misconduct to avoid lengthier custodial sentences in the future.