A MAN has appeared in court after reportedly shouting ‘two tier Keir’ on the day of rumours of a riot in Warrington.
Daniel Billing was also said to have described a police officer as a ‘little Hitler’, while bags of cannabis were found in his possession.
The 46-year-old was later charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, as well as with possessing cannabis.
Appearing before Warrington Magistrates’ Court, he indicated guilty pleas to both counts, with magistrates proceeding to sentence.
Elizabeth Browne, speaking on behalf of the prosecution, informed the court that both charges occurred on August 7 this year.
This was during the time of widespread national disorder, with scenes of police facing violence across the country and damage being caused to property.
August 7 saw rumours circulating on social media that a ‘protest’ was being planned in Warrington, with Cheshire Police issuing a dispersal order and giving officers greater stop and search powers.
Thankfully, no violence occurred, with the force stating the following day that it was a ‘quiet and peaceful night’ in the end.
However, Billing was searched by officers while on Sankey Street in Warrington town centre on August 7, with police recovering three snap bags of cannabis.
As a result of the search, Billing reportedly became abusive towards officers, saying to one: “You are a f*****g little Hitler you are.”
He was also said to have earlier shouted ‘two tier Keir’, and proceeded to call officers ‘f*****g liars’.
Two days later, Cheshire Police issued a news release stating that Billing had been charged, along with three others, ‘linked to the recent national disorder’.
Through his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he used threatening, abusive or disorderly words or behaviour, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Billing, of Plumtre Avenue in Bewsey, was subsequently handed a fine of £80, as well as being ordered to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85 and a statutory victim surcharge of £32.
An application was made and granted for the funds to be deducted from his benefits.
In addition, magistrates approved an order for the forfeiture and destruction of the snap bags of cannabis seized from him by police.
In the news release after Billing was charged, CS Alison Ross said: “We will continue to have extensive resources in place to keep our communities safe, and ensure that swift and robust action is taken against all those who are found to have broken the law.”
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