Judge Gary Starnes sternly warned a major crimes detective with the Chattanooga Police Department against drinking on Monday.
“When I say no alcohol I mean no alcohol,” Starnes said to David Catchings, who was charged with domestic assault on New Year’s Eve after allegedly striking his mother-in-law in the face after drinking.
Catchings, 34, has previously encountered this side of the law, as he is already under investigation and on paid administrative leave from the police department after he was arrested in September 2014 for allegedly driving under the influence.
David Catchings’ latest mugshotOn Monday, Catchings appeared stoic in Sessions Court, until Starnes said he would be booked into the Hamilton County Jail with a $5,000 bond.
This announcement surprised Catchings, and as he placed his belt and the contents of his pockets in a plastic bag his eyes were fixed on the ground.
Before being led away to the Hamilton County Jail, Catchings sat on a wooden bench in the courtroom and wiped several tears from his eyes.
Starnes also told Catchings that since alcohol is believed to be involved in both of the alleged offenses, if bond is made, he is required to complete a Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services evaluation and to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet at all times.
Catchings is set to appear in Hamilton County General Sessions Court again Friday morning.
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.