A Castletown man has been fined £300 after verbally abusing an off-duty police constable.

Jack Warren McKernan, of Malew Street, was cutting grass near to the officer’s home when he began swearing at him.

McKernan pleaded guilty to a charge of using threatening words or behaviour.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, at 4.30pm on August 15, the policeman was in his front garden when he saw 20-year-old McKernan cutting grass nearby, working for a gardening company.

McKernan saw the constable and shouted verbal abuse, before walking round the corner.

He then returned and swore, yelling: ’You’re scum.’

Mr Robinson said: ’The officer understands that he may receive abuse but when at home with his family he should feel safe. His working life is never discussed at home and it is concerning that the defendant knew his home address.’

The court heard that the policeman’s wife was upstairs in their house at the time and heard McKernan swearing.

A witness stood nearby also confirmed hearing the abusive language.

The court heard that McKernan had been held in custody and missed two days work since the incident.

He was also said to have outstanding fines totalling £475, one which related to an incident involving the same policeman.

His defence advocate Paul Glover said: ’He wishes to apologise and accepts his behaviour was completely unreasonable.’

Mr Glover asked that the offence be dealt with by way of another financial penalty.

McKernan was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs by Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes and must start paying the latest fine and costs at the conclusion of his current fines.