A MAN’S 20th birthday came to an abrupt halt when police dropped in.
Jamie Paul Griggs, of Tanfield Road, Birkby, was infuriated at the police’s alleged heavy-handedness on May 26 and blew his top.
At Kirklees Magistrates’ Court yesterday prosecutor Alex Bozman said the trouble started at 10.30pm at the defendant’s home when passing police officers heard “shouting and swearing.” He said they asked the small group of friends to “calm down” and Mr Griggs took exception to that.
Mr Bozman added: “He shouted a bit more and the police called for reinforcements. Griggs and another person, (who was subsequently cautioned), were arrested.
“In police interview he said he was upset because they were making people leave his house. ”
The defendant, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to two charges of disorderly conduct and resisting police.
In mitigation, Andrew Vanzie, said: “The defendant accepts that some of his behaviour on that evening was not particularly fragrant, shall we say. His birthday, which occurred the week before, was being celebrated and one of his friends had begun an argument with his girlfriend on the phone and continued outside. Unfortunately for the defendant, two female police officers just happened to be walking past."
Mr Vanzie said: “Had the police come over and talked to the boy that would have been the end of it. My client said it was just ‘something and nothing’ but the police came into his house and asked everyone to leave.
“In my submission they have gone over the top”.
Mr Vanzie added that one of his friends was Tasered, had to go to the doctor and was given a caution.
Chairman of the bench Julie Houston, declined Mr Vanzie’s suggestion of a conditional discharge and fined Griggs £60 with £20 costs and £25 victim surcharge, payable within six weeks.
