A 27-year-old Ramsey man who resisted arrest has been fined £400.

Craig Brown, of Court Row, had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence but last week changed his plea to guilty after two other charges, of drink-driving and driving while unfit, which Brown had denied, were withdrawn.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police received a report of a drunk driver leaving The Bretney in Jurby at 3.32am on June 14 last year.

Police went to Brown’s home and found his vehicle parked poorly outside.

Brown came to the front door and was said to be slurring his words and unsteady on his feet.

He told police: ’I have just driven home then I drank half a bottle of vodka.’

He was arrested but then began tensing up and pulling away as police tried to handcuff him.

Brown was shouting and swearing so one officer drew his Pava spray but this caused Brown to calm down before it was used.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said of the resist offence: ’Mr Brown had been woken and was groggy.

’He maintains the police wouldn’t tell him why he was being arrested.

’Unfortunately he didn’t comply with the procedure. If he wished to make a complaint he should have done so after. He did pull away, more a gesture as if to say "why am I being arrested?".

’We would submit it was a low-level resist and lasted a short time. After that he was compliant.’

Mr Taylor handed in a letter of reference for his client and said that he was the main bread-winner for his family.

Magistrates chair David Christian told Brown: ’If a police officer comes knocking at your door you should abide by what they are saying.’

Brown was also ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs which he will pay along with the fine at a rate of £150 per month.