Client Verbally Abused Police Officers - No Punishment

Case study summary

Our client pleaded guilty to being verbally abusive towards police officers. He explained that he was struggling with his mental health and alcohol misuse but he was getting help. We persuaded the court to impose a conditional discharge which meant that he received no punishment.

Case study

Our client was 42 years old. He had been drinking alcohol and had taken a taxi home before trying to make off without paying. Police officers were nearby at the time and the taxi driver called them over for assistance. Our client was then verbally abusive towards the police officers, including calling them Nazis and making other offensive comments. He was arrested for theft and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, contrary to the Public Order Act 1986.

We represented our client at the police station. One of our expert defence lawyers was able to resolve the theft allegation and prevent it from going to court. Our client provided a statement within which he apologised to the taxi driver and offered to pay his fare. However, the Public Order offence was too serious to be resolved out of court and our client was charged.

We carefully reviewed the case and sat down with our client to obtain his instructions. He explained that he suffered with anxiety and depression and he binge drank at least once per week to help him to cope with this. Our client admitted the offence and told us that he was ashamed by his actions and wanted us to apologise to the police officers on his behalf. He assured us that he was also getting help with his alcohol misuse through Alcoholics Anonymous.

One of our experienced solicitors represented our client at his Magistrates' Court hearing. Despite our client having relevant previous convictions, they persuaded the court to impose a conditional discharge which meant that our client left court with no criminal punishment. He was extremely relieved.