A man has appeared in court in connection with an incident in which police were obstructed while making an arrest.

Jake Mortimer, 20, of Church Road, Lezayre, is charged with using threatening words and disorderly behaviour; resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty and obstructing a police officer.

The defendant had been in the company of friends at the Secret Pizza Company in Castletown at 8.50pm on Saturday evening (February 22), when police went into the crowded premises to make an arrest.

Questioning the arrest of one of his friends, Mortimer is accused with a number of associates of remonstrating with the officers.

They are alleged to have got in between the police and the suspect who is alleged to have broken free.

The man was subsequently arrested but again a group attempted to frustrate the police. As officers escorted the arrested man through Castletown Square they were jostled.

The suspect was placed in a police van. But Mortimer is accused of stopping in the middle of the road, attempting to block progress of the van.

He was advised to move away but is said to have raised his middle finger and shouted abuse at the police.

Mortimer was granted bail by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes to Tuesday with recognisance in the sum of £500.

* Edward McBride, 23, of Hawthorn Grove, in Ballasalla, appeared before magistrates on Monday charged with resisting arrest.

He was remanded in custody to March 3.