A man has admitted swearing at a police officer who tried to take alcohol off him on a street.
Michael O’Connell of Pollard Street in Fartown was caught by a PCSO drinking from a can of cider at 5.55pm on July 29 in Northumberland Street, despite it being the subject of an alcohol control zone.
According to Alex Bosnan, prosecuting, O’Connell, 60, allegedly swore at the officer when she tried to take it off him.
He said O’Connell then used abusive language and raised two fingers at her when he thought her back was turned, before beginning to drink from another can of cider.
She then called for back up and he was arrested.
Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said that O’Connell did not realise the order was in force and disputed some of the PCSO’s testimony.
“The signs saying you can’t drink on the street are tiny and he hadn’t noticed them.
“It was a hot day and he didn’t think he was doing any harm by having a drink.
“He said she tried to grab his can and he pulled it back and spontaneously swore – it was a reaction.
“He didn’t swear with any intention to cause upset and feels she overreacted.
“If she’d pointed the signs out to him and asked if he could please get rid of the drink he would’ve done.
“At the police station he was told he’d only be cautioned so for it to end up in court is a little heavy handed.”
John Woocy, lead magistrate, gave O’Connell a conditional discharge for six months.
He was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
