A JUDGE said he has “genuine concern” over the growing list of drunken crimes committed by an often armed man who appears to want to “pick fights” with passers-by.

The comments were made by Judge Christopher Prince at what was to have been the sentencing hearing for city centre menace Bailey Decaprio, at Durham Crown Court.

He admitted affray and possessing an offensive weapon on the day of his recent scheduled trial at the court stemming from an incident in the city’s Market Place, on Sunday February 24.

The court heard as a pregnant woman and a female friend left the Market Tavern pub, in late afternoon, a lewd comment was made by either Decaprio or a companion, who were drinking cans of lager on a bench nearby.

When the women went to remonstrate with them, Decaprio told them: “I don’t give a f***, I’ve just served 21 months inside.”

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said some of the lager was thrown at one of the women and a can was forced against her face.

Two punches were also thrown, one particularly forceful to her face, causing her a bloodied nose.

When the partners of the two women emerged from the pub and remonstrated with Decaprio and his friend there was a further confrontation, with more punches being thrown.

Both injured parties went to hospital for treatment for various facial injuries.

Decaprio left the scene but was soon arrested, in North Road, and a knuckleduster was found hidden in his sock.

He was later identified by the assault victims, but he denied throwing any punches, while his accomplice was never arrested.

The court was told the defendant, 22, of Wakenshaw Road, Gilesgate, Durham, has 23 convictions for 45 offences, many for drunken confrontations, and at least now five when carrying a weapon of some sort.

Judge Prince adjourned a previous sentencing hearing to establish the nature of some of those incidents, committed in Durham.

Among them he has used abusive language to an Asian man and a transgender bus passenger.

Tony Davis, in mitigation, conceded the remarks which triggered the latest incident were, “lewd, boorish and unpleasant”, but said his client denies making them, although he admitted the further comments and the behaviour which followed were Decaprio’s responsibility.

Judge Prince told the hearing he has “genuine concern” at Decaprio’s mounting toll of offences in which he appears to be seek to “pick fights” with people.

He further adjourned, until August 16, to allow a pre-sentence background report to be prepared on Decaprio, by the Probation Service.

The judge also asked the Crown to check with witnesses whether it was Decaprio or his companion who made the initial lewd comment .