A RAGING customer who threw six chairs and a glass at drinkers in a bar in Wirral has been given a chance by the courts.

Stefan Cooper, 42, entered Charlie’s Bar in New Ferry at 2.47pm on May 12, 2023, in ‘an aggressive manner’, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Upon entering the venue, Cooper, of Power Road, Rock Ferry, proceeded to throw six chairs, including one made of steel, and a glass towards a group of customers.

One of the chairs thrown hit a man on the arm and leg, leaving a cut, and in total Cooper caused £430 worth of damage to the property.

The defendant, who has an extensive history of offences, including battery and criminal damage, pleaded guilty to the charge of affray.

Defending, Christopher McMaster told the court that since the incident last year, Cooper has taken significant steps to stop drinking and taking drugs.

Two weeks after the incident at Charlie’s Bar, he was admitted into hospital where he was told he was suffering with sepsis, hepatitis, and kidney failure.

The court heard that in the 11 months since his health scare, the defendant has made great improvements and has stopped drinking and taking class A drugs.

“The out-of-control man who was using drink and drugs is no longer the Mr Cooper who sits behind me,” said Mr McMaster.

His former partner was asked to take to the stand by Judge David Swinnerton to testify that, to her knowledge, his behaviour had improved and that he was no longer abusing substances.

Cooper was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, in which he can not commit any further offences, or he will be ordered to serve this sentence, and any other sentences concurrently.

“I was going to say there was no reasonable expectation of rehabilitation,” said Judge Swinnerton.

“But I have heard some more about you, in particular the fact that you were very seriously ill, and you came out of hospital having been treated and I am told you have changed.”

During his suspended sentence, Cooper will also be required to abide by an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for four months and complete 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

“I have given you a chance,” said Judge Swinnerton while concluding the sentencing, adding: “Don’t let yourself down and come back here.”