A JUDGE has remanded a Flimby man in custody after he pleaded guilty to four offences – including an affray.

Nico Jon Barrowclough, 28, who was due to face a trial at Carlisle Crown Court, entered guilty pleas to four offences when he appeared before a judge via a video link. Those offences were: the affray, a criminal damage, a common assault, and assaulting an emergency worker.

The worker involved was a police officer. All the offences were committed on May 16.

Prosecutor Peter Wilson said the pleas were acceptable.

Judge Nicholas Barker declined to immediately sentence the defendant, of Station Road, Flimby. The judge said there were concerns expressed by the Probation Service over his over his mental wellbeing and “harmful and controlling” behaviour.

Defence barrister Brendan Burke told the judge: “Primarily the violence has been directed at himself.” Judge Barker noted also that there had recently been a seven-year period when the defendant had stayed out of trouble.

Judge Barker said he had in mind a more “interventionist” sentence. He adjourned sentencing Barrowclough until November 16 so that a background report can be prepared.

It will consider sentencing options other than custody.

The defendant has already spent four months in custody, the court heard.