Court bill for verbally abusing City Council staff and Northumbria Police officers

The court bills follow an incident earlier this year on Monday 28 January when officers from the council's Neighbourhood Enforcement Team and Northumbria Police were making enquiries in Broadsheath Terrace, Southwick.

They were investigating reports about 'public nuisances' caused by a caravan and quad bikes being stored on the public highway.

During the visit, the two residents were verbally abusive and aggressive towards officers. They were both charged with offences under the Public Order Act 1986 for using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

Rebecca Trott and Bradley Moody, both of Broadsheath Terrace, admitted the offences when they appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. Magistrates were shown bodycam footage of the incident and imposed fines of £660, victim surcharges of £264 and costs of £85 on both defendants.

Sunderland City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer said: "Officers in the City Council and Northumbria Police are working hard to help keep our communities safe. They should never be subjected to abuse or intimidation for simply doing their jobs.

"The court has sent a very clear message that threatening officers while carrying out their community duties is completely unacceptable. Both the City Council and Northumbria Police stand united that any abuse and intimidation will not be tolerated."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson added: "We want to make it clear that violence towards our officers, or any of our partners - be that physical or verbal - is completely unacceptable. Our officers come to work every day to protect and serve our communities, not to be abused and violence and intimidation against them will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

"Let this result be a clear message to those who choose to commit violence, you will be dealt with and put before the courts."

The case was heard at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 2 April.