Drunk defendant apologises for being late to Portsmouth Crown Court – then asks for suspended sentence

As soon as Katarzyna Zych walked into the secure dock at Portsmouth Crown Court she span round and directed a middle finger gesticulation at the public gallery.

She had been due to appear at 10am but showed up at 10.30am - later claiming she had been in the building but ‘in the toilet’ before court started.

Chronic alcoholic Zych, 38, told the judge, Recorder Emma Zeb: ‘I really do apologise for that.’

The court heard she had failed to turn up to two probation appointments for a pre-sentence report to be compiled, and did not organise to have a lawyer.

‘My policy is honesty,’ she said. ‘I’m an alcoholic dependent and basically I missed it because I was drinking - I have nothing to say.’

She added: ‘I will be totally honest with you, I was drunk.’

Unrepresented Zych had to be repeatedly warned not to talk over the judge or others, and it was revealed her previous convictions showed a ‘pattern of (alcohol) related violent behaviour’.

She had admitted affray and wielding a broken bottle, an offensive weapon, in Portsmouth on December 27 last year.

Discussing options to continue with the case, remand Zych or adjourn and place her on bail, the judge said it was a catch-22 situation but sought the defendant’s view.

But misunderstanding, Zych said: ‘The best option is a suspended sentence.’

Judge Zeb shot back: ‘I’m not interested in what you think the best option is.’

The judge adjourned the case, ordering Zych, of Laburnum Grove, Copnor, to engage with probation, get solicitors and comply with rehabilitation.

Zych was bailed to be sentenced on April 17.

Earlier prosecutor Richard Hutchings said: ‘I would have concerns about the option of proceeding to sentence straightaway because it’s very important that the defendant understands and can follow proceedings.’