Off-duty officer chased man who woke him breaking into car

An off-duty police officer had a late-night chase and grapple with a drunken Spalding resident spotted trying to break into a car.

The officer, who was at an address in the town’s Alexandra Road, was awoken by banging and crashing outside at about 11.30pm on September 8.

Prosecutor Kate Minihane told Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday that the officer could see Egidijus Celiesius standing in the road pulling hard at a front door handle and punching the window.

“He was yanking hard, using considerable force and putting his weight into it – at one point falling backwards as he lost his grip,” added Miss Minihane.

The officer went outside and shouted at Celiesius (22), who ran off but was caught and taken to the floor. There was a struggle between them before the officer managed to call colleagues to attend.

The court heard that the Toyota Yaris and a Seat Leon also parked in the street were found to be damaged.

Celiesius, of Winsover Road, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage and a charge of vehicle interference, with the intention of theft of it or from within it.

In mitigation, solicitor Michelle Elvin said the defendant – a man of previous good character – was drunk and didn’t know why he committed the offences. She apologised on his behalf.

Celiesius was fined £200 for vehicle interference and told to pay £150 compensation to each of the car owners. He must also pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.