Man in court over name-calling

May 1 2008 by Julia Bosnyak, Glamorgan Gazette

A MAN has appeared in court after calling a police community support officer a “gayer”.

Christopher Alexander Harris, aged 32, of High View, Brackla, admitted using words or behaviour that would cause harassment or alarm.

Bridgend Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened at 4pm on April 15 in Market Street, Bridgend.

Nia James, prosecuting, said police officers were called to help after Harris verbally abused Pcso Coleman, calling him “names such as gayer”.

“They could clearly see he (Harris) was drunk,” said Miss James.

“He wouldn’t let the police officers speak. He wouldn’t listen to them.”

Harris swore at officers and was arrested.

Probation officer Graham Allen said: “The defendant does have a particular difficulty with managing his anger. Alcohol certainly has featured significantly.”

Harris, who was not represented in court, said he could not really remember what happened.

District judge Richard Williams asked Harris whether he was now able to resist alcohol.

Harris replied: “I have calmed down a lot. I only had a couple of pints then, and I haven’t had a drink for a month or so.”

Judge Williams said: “Although the offence is relatively minor the difficulty is you’re getting a bit of a track record.

“This kind of incident has got to stop. Ordinarily I’d fine you.”

Harris was sentenced to a 12-month community order with supervision and 60 hours’ unpaid work.