Man’s tirade at cops after smoking ban in police van
AN arrested man became aggressive when he was told to put his cigarette out in a police van – then accused cops of being terrorists.
Jonathan Reaney was under arrest on suspicion of drink-driving when he tried to light up in the vehicle.
When he was warned that smoking was not allowed he became agitated and struggled with the officers as they attempted to restrain him.
The 33-year-old apologised for his behaviour, claiming that he lost his cool because his handcuffs were hurting him.
He pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis, possessing cannabis and resisting a constable in the execution of his duty.
Reaney’s white Ford Transit van caught the attention of police shortly after midnight on June 29.
They were on duty on Lidget Street in Lindley when, upon seeing their vehicle, Reaney turned around which they felt was suspicious.
Bill Astin, prosecuting, said: “He said he’d been drinking and would pass any test.”
He was then arrested at the roadside after blowing 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
The officers requested a van to transport Reaney to Huddersfield Police Station but he lost his temper, Kirklees magistrates were told.
Mr Astin said: “He became agitated with the officers after trying to smoke a cigarette.
“He tried pulling against the handcuffs and was ranting that they were all terrorists.”
Reaney, of Town End in Golcar, continued to resist the officers when they arrived at the Castlegate premises.
Eventually they managed to get him out of the vehicle, taking him to the ground by using a pressure point to his jaw.
He was warned that more force would be used if he continued his behaviour but he got worse, magistrates were told.
The Huddersfield court heard that he had two previous convictions related to drink-driving from 2010 and 2017.
Reaney, who was not represented, explained: “I didn’t think I acted aggressively, it was more defensive.
“The handcuffs injured me so there was a snowballing effect.
“It wasn’t my intention to be an aggressor. I’m aware they were doing their job.”
Reaney said that he got into his vehicle in the first place in order to avoid a violent situation.
He added: “I’ve not behaved badly on purpose.”
Magistrates banned Reaney from driving for 48 months.
He will have to complete a 12-month community order. This includes attendance at the Drink Impaired Drivers’ Programme, 40 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity days.
Magistrates ordered him to pay £85 court costs and £90 victim surcharge.