Alcoholic sprayed CS gas at ex-girlfriend's helpers

Keith Roberts and Stephen Sharples were sprayed in the face after Jon Fallows, 21, turned up at John Wilman's in Burnley, and became abusive, aggressive and wouldn't leave, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Fallows, an alcoholic since he was 14 and now on 20 pints a day, was jailed for 18 months after a judge told him what happened was "ugly".

Fallows, of Waterloo Road, Burnley, admitted possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of causing a noxious substance to be administered, harassment, burglary and breach of probation.

He was placed under a 12-month restraining order, banning him from communicating with approaching, or following Kirsten Crooks. He must also not go within 100 yards of her home or workplace. Bernadette Baxter, prosecuting, said Fallows and Miss Crooks had had a five-year relationship.

After it ended, he would phone her and go to John Wilman's Textiles, her place of work.

On January 19, Miss Crooks was leaving when Fallows turned up outside. He followed her and she asked him to go away.

Fallows was also asked to go by other employees but became abusive and aggressive.

Fallows produced a CS gas spray and sprayed it in the face of Mr Roberts and Mr Sharples, who had gone to Miss Crook's help.

Fallows was restrained and disarmed by other staff members, arrested and taken to the police station. He was put in a cell and when the custody officer went to see him, allegedly spat in the officer's face.

Miss Baxter said Fallows had previous convictions for grievous bodily harm and assault with intent to rob.

Paul Hague, defending, said for most of Fallow's life he had been "drunk and disorderly." An alcoholic since the age of 14, he drank 20 pints a day and was drunk every night.

The long-suffering Miss Crooks had got fed up with him and ended the relationship. Fallows couldn't accept that.

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