A passenger refused to leave a taxi and shouted abuse at police when they arrived at the scene, a court has heard.

Mark Edward Turton, of Central Promenade, Douglas.has been convicted of threatening behaviour and resisting arrest and will be sentenced on May 8 after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor Mark Benson told the court how, at 11.55pm on March 23, police were called to Summerhill Place after a report of a man refusing to leave a taxi.

When they arrived they found Turton, aged 29, lying in the back of the taxi with his shoes off.

He was told to leave the taxi but swore telling the officers where to go.

Turton said: ’You’re just an overpaid traffic warden.

’Do you know who I am? I’ll have you.’

He was told to put his shoes on but continued to make threats saying: ’It’s been a while, I’m going to count down from five then you’re getting it.’

Turton then began his count before getting out of the taxi, clenching his fists and making a loud roaring noise.

He was arrested but continued his anger, swearing and telling police: ’I’ll rip your throats out.

’You have no idea who you are messing with.’

As he was transported to custody he warned police: ’I’m going to start a riot.’

Defence advocate Paul Glover asked for an adjournment to allow for a report to be prepared as well as information to be obtained from Turton’s GP regarding his mental health.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes adjourned the case and said that the report should consider all options, including custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that Turton reside at his home address, contact probation, and not leave the island without court permission