A Port St Mary man who told a police officer ’I’ll petrol bomb your house and rape your kid’ has been fined £450 for being drunk and disorderly.

Paul Anthony Knighton admitted the offence with a second charge, of assaulting a police officer, being withdrawn.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police were called to the car park at the Haven pub in Port Erin on August 26 at 11.05pm after a report of a disturbance.

Knighton, who is 23 and lives at Fistard Road, was said to be shouting and was described as slurring his words, smelling of alcohol, and having glazed eyes.

Police tried to calm him down but he continued shouting and was subsequently arrested.

At this point he became more abusive saying: ’I’ll petrol bomb your house. I’ll rape your kid.

’The system is broke. The system is corrupt.’

The assault charge was initially brought after Knighton was said to have tried to knee one officer in the leg.

Mr Swain said that the officer concerned had taken a pragmatic view and it had been agreed to withdraw the assault charge.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate James Peterson said: ’Mr Knighton doesn’t intend to offer any excuse.

Clearly he acknowledges it was wholly unacceptable.

’It was a difficult time, near the anniversary of his mother’s passing and the end of a relationship.

’He found himself in drink and has behaved awfully as a result.

’It’s fair to say he has learnt a valuable lesson.’

Chair of the magistrates Ken Faragher told Knighton: ’Your behaviour that night was atrocious. You are fortunate the constable took a pragmatic attitude and you’re not facing a more serious charge.

Magistrates also ordered Knighton to pay £125 prosecution costs, which he will pay along with the fine at a rate of £30 per week.