Poppy wreath kicker given city centre ban

A MAN who took a running kick at a poppy wreath at the Manchester Cenotaph has been banned from the city centre.

Simon Colley, 40, was abusive and threatening to police who confronted him at the war memorial in St Peter’s Square on February 23.

Manchester magistrates court heard that Colley was seen ‘staggering’ by members of the public just before 3pm.

CCTV footage shows Colley casually walking to the memorial before taking a run up and kicking one wreath away.

Prosecuting, Anna Morris said an officer was verbally abused by Colley, who said: “Who are you? You are f ***** g nothing.”

He was arrested and in interview told officers: “I’m a mess. I know I need help with my alcohol.” He has pledged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the court heard.

Now he has pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour towards the officer.

Colley, of Greengate, Salford, also admitted being drunk and disorderly in Piccadilly Gardens on February 15.

Defending, Matthew Wallace said: “The matter before the court relating to the cenotaph was very distasteful.”

Colley was previously given a suspended prison sentence after admitting battery and criminal damage in December last year.

But District Judge Khalid Qureshi said it would be unjust to activate the suspended sentence as the new offences were not imprisonable. Colley was given a nine-month conditional discharge and handed a criminal behaviour order, which prevents him from entering Manchester city centre for two years. The suspended sentence was increased from 12 to 13 weeks, suspended for two years.

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: “The Legion is shocked and saddened to hear of this incident. Wreaths are placed to honour the memory of armed forces’ personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend the freedom we enjoy.

“They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”