Man fined for 'foolish' police jibes

Daniel Stansfield, who called officers 'dumbo' and made comments about their salaries, admitted causing harassment, alarm or distress on February 24 when he appeared before the Eastbourne magistrates on Monday (March 31).

Stansfield, of Terminus Avenue, was spoken to by police officers outside Funktion Rooms nightclub in Eastbourne. The court heard Stansfield was ejected from the club and arguing with the door staff in the street. The officers asked him to move on and then told him they would take him away as he was disturbing the peace.

Police said Stansfield smelt of alcohol when he was detained and taken to his home address. The defendant shouted during the journey and on arrival insulted the officers and patted one on the face while saying 'good boy' in a patronising manner.

tansfield was arrested for causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Teresa Mulrooney, defending, said, "It was obnoxious, immature behaviour from a 22-year-old man.

"He was being cheeky and it was very foolish.

"He was not ejected from the nightclub so he was involving himself in something he didn't need to."

Ms Mulrooney explained Stansfield had one pence left from his night on the town and was given a lift home by police. She described his behaviour as 'self defeating' but asked for credit for his early guilty plea.

"This man is not a fool, although he acted foolishly on the night in question," she said.

"He tells me he has a number of certificates in computer support and hopes to find employment in that field."

Magistrates fined Stansfield 100 and ordered him to pay 60 in costs and a 15 surcharge.