A 52-year-old Ramsey man has been fined after swearing at a rugby coach in front of children.

Andrew Thomas Falconer, of North Shore Road, admitted provoking behaviour after abusing the coach at its rugby ground at Mooragh Park in front of 12 and 13 year olds.

Prosecutor Mark Benson told the court how, on December 6, police called at Falconer’s home to warn him about his behaviour after a complaint made by members of Ramsey Rugby Club.

However, on December 7 at 6.30pm, youngsters were training at the ground with their coach when Falconer arrived.

He was said to have approached the coach and started swearing, asking where another of the coaches was.

The coach warned Falconer not to swear but he continued his anger again, swearing.

The coach called the police but Falconer warned him: ’Do you know what happens to people who phone the police in Glasgow? They get...’

The trainer said he did not hear the end of Falconer’s rant as he was on the phone to the police at the time.

Falconer then left the area but when quizzed by police admitted a verbal altercation had taken place.

He admitted that he had approached the coach and the youngsters but claimed he had shouted: ’Are you Peter or Paul?’

When the coach had answered ’no’ Falconer admitted that he had sworn but said he had not used the word that the coach claimed he had.

Falconer then said he had been trying to wind the coach up and couldn’t remember what he said.

He admitted making the threat referring to Glasgow and said he had only meant to say that the coach was ’a grass’.

Defending Falconer in court, his advocate James Peterson said: ’Mr Falconer certainly accepts he used bad language in front of the boys.

’He accepts he did say: "You know what happens to people who phone the police in Glasgow".

’He accepts he shouldn’t have said what he did.’

The court heard that Falconer had previous similar matters on his record.

As well as a £700 fine, Falconer was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £500.