A drunk man became “aggressive” to members of the public because he was “upset” by queue jumping at a taxi rank.

Police were on duty on April 16 when they became aware of Stephen Leece, 33, who was at the taxi rank on Duke Street in Whitehaven.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said Leece was upset that people were jumping in front of him in the queue. He told police he had been waiting 40 minutes for a taxi, which “wasn’t true”. 

Leece started pointing his finger at the police sergeant and the defendant was warned he would be arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

He continued shouting and swearing. He was then arrested and continued with his behaviour while police waited for a vehicle.

Ms Fee said the defendant, who was last before the court in 2020, used to be a regular at court, but the offending had “tailed off”. She said it was “disappointing” to see him back before the court again.

Leece, of Shore Terrace, Salterbeck, Workington, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He had been at a rugby match. He said he should have just gone home when he was told.

“It’s a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. A long time ago, we used to see him on a regular basis. It’s now been quite some time.”

Leece was fined £80 and must pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.