A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court after launching a racially abusive tirade at a police officer, calling him a “f***ing pa** pr***” during a drunken confrontation.

Mark Anthony Hambrook, 40, had contacted police himself on the night of July 12, admitting that he had stolen £55 worth of alcohol and soft drinks from Iceland Warehouse in Milford Haven.

Theft and threats

When officers arrived, Hambrook told them he wanted to speak to a man he accused of injecting heroin into an ex-partner. He then made a series of violent threats, telling officers he was going to “slice the man’s face off” and “smack him in the neck with a bottle”.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that Hambrook’s threats continued after he was taken into custody.

“He swore on his nan’s grave that he was going to smash the person’s head in,” she said. “This then led on to racially aggravated comments towards the officer when he was taken into custody, when he said, ‘Get this f Paki prick away from me’.”

Arrest and guilty plea

Earlier that evening, Hambrook and another man had been seen entering the Iceland store. Shortly afterwards, Hambrook phoned 999, telling police he had stolen wine and was drinking it as he spoke to them.

Appearing before magistrates via video link from Swansea Prison, Hambrook pleaded guilty to sending a communication threatening death, stealing alcohol and other drinks, and using racially aggravated words towards a police officer.

Sentence

Defence solicitor Alaw Harries said the offences were fuelled by alcohol.

“It was never his intention to put anyone in fear,” she told the court. “The threats were directed at one individual who was completely unaware they were being made. He’s embarrassed and wishes to apologise to the officer for his language.”

Hambrook, of Milton House, Milton Crescent, Milford Haven, was handed a two-year community order. He must complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was also fined £114, ordered to pay £55.30 compensation to Iceland Warehouse, and £85 court costs.