Frustrated pool player broke cue in half after missing shot and hit man at Doncaster working men's club
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Sheffield Crown Court heard on January 12 how Craig Turgoose, aged 38, of Elmwood Crescent, Armthorpe, Doncaster, had been asked to leave by members at the Armthorpe Coronation WMC, on Tranmoor Lane, Doncaster, after he broke a pool cue over his knee.
Recorder Felicity Davies told Turgoose: “You were playing pool in the Coronation Working Men’s Club, in Doncaster, when it seems you missed a shot and you had been drinking and you were frustrated and in temper and frustration you broke a pool cue.”
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Hide AdLaura Marshall, prosecuting, said Turgoose was asked to leave but refused and tried to buy another drink and was asked to leave again.
Ms Marshall added Turgoose took the pool cue and swung it at a senior figure at the club and it missed him and hit a light and he swung the cue again and the man was struck on the upper arm as he tried to defend himself.
Turgoose was ejected from the club, according to Ms Marshall, and he was laughing and told the complainant he had enjoyed doing what he had done.
The defendant admitted he had been drinking pints and spirits and admitted he was frustrated and broke the pool cue because he had missed a shot.
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Hide AdTurgoose, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, causing damage, and to possessing an offensive weapon after the incident on January 19, 2020.
Ian West, defending, said: “It was not an act of deliberate violence or aggression against another person but in drink, with drink being a factor, the defendant broke a pool cue over his leg at frustration of having missed a shot.”
Mr West added Turgoose has good character references describing him as supportive and a family man.
Recorder Felicity Davies acknowledged Turgoose regretted his behaviour and that his probation report concluded he was remorseful and he had apologised.
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Hide AdRecorder Davies sentenced Turgoose to eight months of custody suspended for 12 months with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.
