A man has admitted using abusive behaviour towards a member of the area’s enviro-crime team who was issuing a penalty notice for littering.
Boston Magistrates’ Court heard Christopher Cooper (59), of Lime Court, Spalding, was one of three who came out of The Punchbowl pub to confront enforcement officer Robbie Didlock
The incident, on March 14, was captured by a bodycam worn by the victim.
“He doesn’t go to work to be intimidated,” prosecutor Kate Minihane said of Mr Didlock who is employed by Kingdom, appointed by South Holland District Council in this area.
The court heard that Cooper had a ‘fairly substantial’ list of previous charges but hadn’t been before the court since 2019.
Defending him, Michael Alexander said the incident related to an elderly person pushing a trolly whom Cooper knew and who the enforcement officer accused of dropping a cigarette.
“Cooper thought the officer was being harsh,” said Mr Alexander who told the court the defendant offered to find the litter and pick it up. “He came out to ask what the officer was doing.
“It’s accepted he took the ticket, ripped it up and verbally abused him.
“He didn’t throw the ticket on the floor.
“His intention was not to cause upset. He was upset himself about what was happening.”
Magistrate Kevin Moody said: “No matter how you feel, these people are doing their job and they quite rightly shouldn’t expect to be abused.”
Cooper was fined £80, ordered to pay £40 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
