A MAN who swore at a police officer has been given a conditional discharge.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday that John Christopher Gallagher, of Leighton Arches, Welshpool, swore several times at PC Bailey in a Welshpool car park on May 13.

Gallagher, 24, pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause distress.

Rhian Jones, prosecuting, told the court that PC Bailey had been in the car park trying to locate a suspected drink-driver, when he saw Gallagher leaning on a car and looking at him.

“He could see the defendant shouting and waving his arms,” said Ms Jones.

Gallagher then swore at the officer, who warned him to calm down, but he swore a further two times, which was captured on the officer’s body camera.

Ms Jones added Gallagher had previous convictions, most recently a suspended sentence in 2015 for assault and affray in 2013.

Robert Hanratty, defending, said: “He was convinced PC Bailey was following him and he felt quite intimidated.

“The incident doesn’t last a very long time. I think the officer’s patience just snapped. The defendant immediately apologised.”

Gallagher was given a one-year conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.