Youth who ‘bad-mouthed’ police told ‘unseemly behaviour’ will not be tolerated.

A TEENAGER from Honiton has been slammed by magistrates for “bad mouthing” police with “vile language”.

Aaron Doble, of Glenview, appeared at Central Devon Magistrates’ Court last week and pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour that were likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The court heard that the 19-year-old had been stopped by police in Fore Street, Cullompton, on September 25 and warned about his behaviour before being asked to leave the area.

Doble then left in a car and, after travelling only a short distance, was heard to shout “c***s” when passing the police car. He was arrested.

David Battaliou, defending, said: “He does accept his behaviour was disorderly and accepts he was under the influence of alcohol.

“He does not remember what was said, but does remember arguing with police officers. He generally accepts he was out of order and the disorder was in breach of Section 5 (of the Public Order Act). He does plead guilty at the first opportunity.”

The chairman of the bench, David Jarrett, said: “This is very unseemly behaviour from a young man in the community towards officers of the law.

“I do not think they deserved to be bad mouthed with such vile language.

“You have no previous convictions and are of good character so we are going to make you the subject of a conditional discharge for 12 months, which means you are not being punished for this offence but, should you come to our attention again you will be sentenced for that offence and this offence.

“You must be on your best behaviour for the next 12 months.”