Pebsham roofer in court

Vincent Heron, 18, was outside the Funktion Rooms in Eastbourne on July 29 when he lost his temper.

Prosecutor Mark Kateley said, "Police were outside the Funktion Rooms at around 3.30am and were involved in arresting a man in another matter.

"The defendant started shouting at officers asking them to leave the man alone. He was told to go away or he would be arrested.

"He persistently swore at officers threatening to 'have them.'"

In police interview Heron, who lives in Gwyneth Grove, said he was protesting at police because his friend was being arrested when he had been a victim of an assault.

He appeared before Eastbourne magistrates on Monday and pleaded guilty to causing harassment and alarm through threatening behaviour.

Justin Rivett, defending, said, "The only reason he behaved in this way was because his friend had been wrongly arrested. He was de-arrested shortly afterwards.

"The defendant told police they had the wrong man and became progressively more agitated and volatile."

Magistrates gave Heron a six-month conditional discharge and ordered 60 court costs.