AN EVESHAM man who swore at policemen and challenged them to a fight was fined £200 with £65 costs by magistrates at Evesham last Monday.

Michael Smith, aged 34, of Blossomfield Close, Hampton, pleaded guilty to using disorderly behaviour on September 1 after a charge of causing fear of violence by threatening and abusive behaviour was dropped.

Peter Parson, prosecuting, said police were called to an incident in Oat Street at 11.40pm. Smith was nearby, swaying on his feet obviously as a result of drink.

"He shouted obscenities at the policemen and squared up to them asking them to fight," Mr Parson said. "He was warned several times to behave himself, but to no avail, probably because of the drink, and was arrested.

"On the way to the police station he continued to be aggressive.

"His behaviour made the job of the police controlling the situation more difficult."

Roger Atter, for Smith, said he had been out drinking with friends and they finished up in a town centre pub where there was an incident involving another group and they were all ejected by bouncers.

"There was a melee outside during which one of Smith's friends was kicked in the face and lost three teeth," Mr Atter said.

"Police arrived and Smith accepted he was abusive but it was because he was seen as a perpetrator when in fact he was trying to calm things down."

"He accepts he did wrong and sincerely apologises for that."