‘Trying to find a lady’ no excuse for Albany man’s drunken behaviour at Hopetoun pub

An Albany man who was asked to leave a south coast pub multiple times because he was too drunk claimed he was “trying to find a lady”. Scott Toner, 33, appeared in the Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday where he pleaded guilty to three charges related to a drunken night at the Port Hotel in Hopetoun. Mr Toner pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour in public, failing to obey police, and staying near a licensed premises after being asked to leave. Prosecuting Sgt Alan Dean told the court on October 17, staff at the Port Hotel barred Mr Toner from drinking, then ordered him to leave. “The accused was escorted out, and around 9.30pm police arrived,” Sgt Dean told the court. “He was yelling, swearing and thumping his chest, and was issued a move-on notice.” Mr Toner was ordered to stay at least 10m away from the Hopetoun pub. Police were called back to the pub a short time later and he was arrested at 10.55pm. Sgt Dean told the court Mr Toner’s explanation for his behaviour was “he was trying to find a lady”. Defence counsel Graham Payne said his client was on his way home from Esperance. Mr Payne said his client admitted he drank excessively and had a problem with alcohol. Mr Toner said he could not remember half of the night. Magistrate Raelene Johnston told him he had clearly embarrassed himself. “The manner in which you behaved had potential to cause injury to others,” she said. Toner was fined $900 and ordered to pay costs of $130.