Disgraced teenage drunk sentenced

Jack Ryan, 18, from Leeds, broke away from student friends as they walked through Barker's Pool on a night out and relieved himself on the monument.

The incident, at 10pm on Saturday October 16, happened a year after former Sheffield Hallam University student Philip Laing sparked national outrage after being photographed urinating on the same memorial.

Sheffield Magistrates' Court heard that after seeing Ryan – who had been downing pints and shorts since 4.30pm that afternoon – a disgusted couple told a security guard, who walked over and saw a puddle at his feet.

Prosecutor Stephen Acaster said the guard, Steven Barker, then saw the apprentice joiner high-fiving others before he and a colleague intervened.

Mr Acaster said: "Ryan told them he didn't know what the structure was, before admitting he had done it and apologising, saying he had had a bit too much. One of the guards said, 'that's no excuse, I could be blind drunk and not do that', there was silence, and then he bolted."

The court heard Ryan was chased down Surrey Street and Norfolk Street before Mr Barker caught him near the Crucible theatre. But Ryan's friends grabbed his arms and he was unable to detain the youth until back up arrived.

Mr Acaster added: "When his friends heard what he had done they were embarrassed and started to leave. Mr Barker told police he was very upset at the act, saying he had friends in Afghanistan and some had lost their lives and the war memorial was for them."

Ryan, of Scotland Way, Leeds, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency.

Richard Adams, defending, said his client was 'hopelessly drunk' and had no particular recollection. The worst punishment he faced was having to tell his 94-year-old great grandfather, a veteran of D-Day. Magistrates sentenced Ryan to 200 hours of community work and ordered him to pay 80 towards prosecution costs.