Man with 'open bottle of Malibu' who subjected police to 'hours of constant abuse' arrested in Gosport

The 20-year-old who was ‘out to cause trouble’ was detained in the early hours of Sunday (March 1). Officers were patrolling Gosport High Street and visiting the pubs and clubs when problems began.

“A 20-year-old male was acting in an anti social manner on the high street and had an open bottle of Malibu,” Sergeant Cottrell, of Gosport Police, said. “Patrons were complaining of his behaviour and stated that he was out to cause trouble.”

The man was spotted at around 1.30am. Police confiscated the alcohol and disposed of it under the Public Spaces Protection Order that covers Gosport. Sergeant Cottrell said his officers asked the man “very politely” to leave the area but he refused - being walked away from the high street by officers.

The man returned on several occasions over the next five minutes and was “clearly insistent on causing further problems”, the officer added. “He was arrested under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act of 2000 to obtain his details as he had refused them on every occasion,” Sergeant Cottrell said.

“I then asked for a van unit to attend to take the male home so that he could be de-arrested. At this point, while waiting for the van to take him home, he abused officers and members of the public and so there was no choice but to arrest him and take him to custody for three counts of racially and homophobically aggravated S4a public order.

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“He went on to commit another public order, aggravated public order offence and criminal damage and was further arrested. Officers were subjected to two hours of constant abuse each, often about our families and personal lives, but remained professional throughout. The investigation continues.”

Officers worked through the night until 6am to gather evidence for the case. “We will not tolerate this behaviour in our town,” Sergeant Cottrell said. “Everyone should be able to enjoy their evening and feel safe. We will be working with licenced premises moving forward to ensure the male is banned from attending.”

Anyone with information is advised to call 101, quoting 44260100130, or submit a report online via the police website.