Two men have been fined after launching a verbal assault on police officers described by magistrates as ‘extremely threatening’.

Steven Brian James Murphy, of Murray’s Road, Douglas, and Jack Warren McKernan, Malew Street, Castletown, were warned by magistrates as they laughed in court as the prosecutor read out the facts of the case.

Murphy pleaded guilty to one offence of using threatening behaviour and was fined £250, while McKernan admitted three counts of the same offence and was fined £250 for each one. Both were ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Magistrates’ chairman Lisa Horton said while passing sentence: ‘It is our duty to protect our police officers. The comments we have heard were highly offensive and at times, extremely threatening.’

The court heard how, on February 25, Murphy, aged 21, and McKernan, who is 20, were arrested by two police officers on Crellin’s Hill after an altercation in the town centre.

The pair immediately became abusive towards police, with Murphy swearing and insulting the officers as well as making vile remarks about Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.

McKernan also made threats to the police, including the family of one officer, threatening to damage his mother’s house.

Police were so concerned that they began recording the threats once the two men were in the back of the police van.

McKernan was said to have told one policeman: ‘I know where your mother lives, I’m going to kill her. I’m going to kill your brother.’

The threats continued at police headquarters with McKernan telling one officer: ‘You used to be sound. I know you have a little one, he’ll regret meeting me. I’ll ask the lads what your address is, don’t you worry.’

McKernan then called one of the officers by name and said: ‘I work with your brother, don’t arrest me. Get off me. You better not arrest me or you’ll get it, it’s a small island.

‘Watch what I’ll do to your mum’s house. Go on mate, watch what I do to your mum, your brother, your sister. Go on mate, try me.’

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court: ‘This goes beyond the normal simple drunken abuse. No police officer should have to put up with this type of behaviour. If the defendants find it funny I’m sure the magistrates can dissuade them when sentencing.’

McKernan handed in a prepared statement saying: ‘I apologise unreservedly. I drank heavily during the day. I only recall fragments of what was said. I had no intention of harming anyone.’

Defending both men in court, advocate Ian Kermode said that they were ‘heavily intoxicated’ at the time but they accepted the facts heard.