A MAN has been fined for calling a female police officer a derogatory word while drunk in a public place.

Pheonix Clark, of Castle Rise in Kendal, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to a section 5 public order offence when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on March 11.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said PC Hartland attended a public house in Kendal at 1am to check on the welfare of another male.

The court heard while the officer made checks, the defendant then made comments to the officer which caused her to feel harassment, alarm or distress.

Clark, who chose not to be represented, told magistrates he was sorry and did not know he would be arrested.

Mr Dacre told the court the 20-year-old defendant had three previous convictions, including one for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Magistrates fined Clark £40 for the offence and ordered that he pay a £16 surcharge and £85 in court costs.