Student hurled drawers at police

David Fairhurst, 38, of Harbour Way, had been studying for his Open University maths degree on Tuesday when he 'became sick of it' and threw something at a nearby window.

Sam Wingfield, defending, said Fairhurst then went out for a walk to calm down and his wife left for a football match.

When the defendant returned he found a pair of police officers waiting outside his house.

The officers told Fairhurst a neighbour had reported a disturbance and they wanted to be shown round his house to check nobody inside was hurt.

Andrew Wagstaff, prosecuting, said Fairhurst became angry at being asked to show the police inside and started swearing at them and abusing them.

He said: "The officers searched the house and he (Fairhurst) was continually abusive to them and started throwing furniture around.

"He picked up a set of drawers and flung them through a window so he was arrested."

Mrs Wingfield countered: "He gets very frustrated and claims the police were winding him up saying they needed to check for a dead body. It was the last thing he needed.

"There was no alcohol involved and it did not involve any member of the public.

"The fact is if he wants to smash his own window that is up to him."

Mr Wagstaff revealed Fairhurst had a list of previous convictions which included an earlier public order offence and two charges of assaults on police officers.

Fairhurst admitted breach of the peace at Hastings Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

John Rice, chairman of magistrates, decided to punish Fairhurst with a binding over order.

This means if he re-offends in the next six months he could face a 100 fine.

Mr Rice said: "You must keep the noise down and not be abusive to police officers in the future or you will be punished