A drunken spectator allegedly stole a golf buggy at the Open championship before crashing it into a hut – then became ‘aggressive and violent’, biting a security guard, a court heard.
Simon Lloyd is said to have 'become aggressive' after the collision and bit the guard's thumb and finger who came to investigate the noise.
Lloyd denies the charges and his barrister insisted it was a case of misidentification.
It was a practice day before the first round of the final men's major of the year in Hoylake, which was ultimately won by U.S. golfer Brian Harman.
Prosecutor David Palglase told the jury Lloyd bit the security guard's finger and thumb.
He said the jury had to determine whether the driver of the buggy was Lloyd.
Lloyd's barrister said the injuries were sustained whilst his client was attempting to defend himself.
G4S security guard Dorothy Green told the jury she was sitting alone in the refreshment portacabin when she heard a loud bang.
She said she retreated from a 'volatile' man when she came outside.
Ms Green claimed she witnessed the driver of the buggy attempt to reverse.
“He was obviously so drunk he could not work out which was the accelerator and brake,” she said.
Her colleague John Bilsborough was the guard that was assaulted, the court heard.
Lloyd, of Meols, Wirral, denies causing actual bodily harm and aggravated vehicle taking.
The trial continues.
The Incident
The incident occurred on the evening of July 18, 2023, during the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside. The court heard that Lloyd, who was allegedly intoxicated, is accused of taking a golf buggy that was being used by a Netflix production crew. He is alleged to have driven the buggy into a metal hut before being detained by security staff.
The Alleged Assault
During the detention, Lloyd is accused of becoming “aggressive and violent,” and assaulting one of the security guards, John Bilsborough. The prosecution alleges that Lloyd bit Bilsborough on the finger and thumb, causing injury.
Lloyd's Defense
Lloyd's defense team argues that he was acting in self-defense and that the injuries to Bilsborough were sustained during a struggle.
The Evidence
The prosecution has presented CCTV footage of Lloyd allegedly driving the buggy, and evidence from security guards who witnessed the incident.
Witnesses
Dorothy Green, a G4S security guard, testified that she was sitting in a refreshment portacabin when she heard a loud bang and saw a man in the buggy who appeared intoxicated. She said she retreated to the portacabin because the man appeared “volatile.”
The Breathalyzer Test
When Lloyd was arrested, a breathalyzer test revealed that he was almost twice the legal drink driving limit.
The Verdict
The jury will ultimately decide whether Lloyd is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him. The trial is ongoing.
The Aftermath
The incident at the Open Championship highlights the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need for adequate security measures at large events. It also raises questions about the potential impact of alcohol on an individual's behavior and judgment.
The case is likely to continue to generate media attention as it unfolds. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by the public, as well as those involved in the golf industry.
The story also serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, and the potential consequences of such actions.
Final Thoughts
The Open Championship is a prestigious event that attracts golfers and fans from around the world. It is disheartening to see that such an incident could occur at such a significant event.
It is important to remember that alcohol can impair judgment and lead to dangerous behavior. It is crucial for individuals to be mindful of their alcohol consumption and to make responsible choices.
The incident also underscores the need for adequate security measures at large events, and to ensure that security personnel are trained to handle difficult situations effectively.
This case is a reminder that the law applies to everyone, and that even seemingly minor incidents can have serious consequences.
The trial is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see what the outcome will be.
