Is it illegal to verbally abuse a police officer?
Discussion
I saw someone drive past a camera site recently and various plod/collision reduction technican people were milling about.
Anyway he wound his window down and shouted "You bunch of f****ng w****rs!". I've since heard this is quite popular.
Can you be prosecuted for such actions? If so, what laws would you be breaking?
Anyway he wound his window down and shouted "You bunch of f****ng w****rs!". I've since heard this is quite popular.
Can you be prosecuted for such actions? If so, what laws would you be breaking?
I believe it's technically assault (it's assault and battery if you actually clock them one), though the scammer would have to prove he genuinely thought you might hurt him, which would be pretty difficult if you were driving off at the time at speed.
They'd probably be more likely to do you for 'operating the window whilst moving' looking at recent cases.
>> Edited by FastShow on Monday 14th February 17:09
They'd probably be more likely to do you for 'operating the window whilst moving' looking at recent cases.
>> Edited by FastShow on Monday 14th February 17:09
Muncher said:
It can't be an assault unless there's a genuine fear of immediate infliction of unlawful violence.
Public order offence though as slider points out.
Usually addressed with an £80 PND Fixed penalty notice as no warning needs to be given about conduct prior to it occurring! This has had a remarkable effect on locals in my area who are prone to the odd bit of colourful language or unhealthy attitude 
. Could be expensive if captured on the laser show as well
Don't do it!
If the BIB is a decent chap (as most are, (SCP staff excepted)), then it's not very nice to go hurling abuse, and you look a tit,
If the BIB isn't a decent chap, then
A. Hurling abuse will result in a cosy stay in a cell
B. Being very polite will stonewall him.
C. Who looks the bigger pr**k?, the smart chap in the uniform driving the car, or the handcuffed fuming chap in the back?
If the BIB is a decent chap (as most are, (SCP staff excepted)), then it's not very nice to go hurling abuse, and you look a tit,
If the BIB isn't a decent chap, then
A. Hurling abuse will result in a cosy stay in a cell
B. Being very polite will stonewall him.
C. Who looks the bigger pr**k?, the smart chap in the uniform driving the car, or the handcuffed fuming chap in the back?
autismuk said:
Public order offences. Probably S5. Using insulting, intimidating or abusive language.
Problem is not the "crime" ; it's the inconsistency.
Inconsistency is caused by discretion
If there were no discretion, there would be no inconsistency.
If you want more discretion, you will automatically get the inconsistency you despise
gone said:
^Slider^ said:
Public order offences. Probably S5. Using insulting, intimidating or abusive language.
Problem is not the "crime" ; it's the inconsistency.
Inconsistency is caused by discretion
If there were no discretion, there would be no inconsistency.
If you want more discretion, you will automatically get the inconsistency you despise
That is a very good point!
^Slider^ said:Yes, it is. Discretion and inconsistency please.
Public order offences. Probably S5. Using insulting, intimidating or abusive language.
gone said:
^Slider^ said:
Public order offences. Probably S5. Using insulting, intimidating or abusive language.
Problem is not the "crime" ; it's the inconsistency.
Inconsistency is caused by discretion
If there were no discretion, there would be no inconsistency.
If you want more discretion, you will automatically get the inconsistency you despise
I think people want balanced discretion. Not discretion of the "different rules apply to different people".
SimonHarrod911 said:
I saw someone drive past a camera site recently and various plod/collision reduction technican people were milling about.
Anyway he wound his window down and shouted "You bunch of f****ng w****rs!". I've since heard this is quite popular.
Can you be prosecuted for such actions? If so, what laws would you be breaking?
£80 fine and quite right too. Nobody should have to put up with that! I hate rude people (bunch of wnakers
).I saw a vehicle cut up another driver on a roundabout on my way home this evening..
The innocent driver sounded his horn..(rightly or wrongly) and the bloke that cut him up (driving a white Nova) calmly extended two fingers out of the window..
Not only was My Nova in the wrong lane for the exit he wanted to take, but he went onto to force another driver to brake then had the audacity to insult the innocent driver..
I'm considering visiting Mr Nova tomorrow, when back at work...but pondering whether it's worth it...
The innocent driver sounded his horn..(rightly or wrongly) and the bloke that cut him up (driving a white Nova) calmly extended two fingers out of the window..
Not only was My Nova in the wrong lane for the exit he wanted to take, but he went onto to force another driver to brake then had the audacity to insult the innocent driver..
I'm considering visiting Mr Nova tomorrow, when back at work...but pondering whether it's worth it...
Why do people who blatently carve you up feel the need to hurl abuse at you as well?
Is it because they think they havn't been big enough twits already and need to confirm it to you?
I would love to have a device that could play out thru their radios. I could ask them just 'WHAT THE FCUK THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE DOING'.
Their frustration at not being able to reply would be so funny.
Is it because they think they havn't been big enough twits already and need to confirm it to you?
I would love to have a device that could play out thru their radios. I could ask them just 'WHAT THE FCUK THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE DOING'.
Their frustration at not being able to reply would be so funny.
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