DRINKER Jason Edwards made a rude gesture at police officers as they drove past him and later swore at them, a court heard.

Edwards, of Bailey Close, Bishops Cannings, pleaded guilty at Kennet Magistrates' Court in Devizes on Monday to a charge of using threatening words and behaviour in Devizes on July 6 and was fined £100 with £55 court costs.

A charge of being drunk and disorderly was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Richard Thomas, prosecuting, said PC Steve Cox and PC Steve Bussey were driving along New Park Street when Edwards raised his left arm above his head and extended a finger in a rude gesture at the officers.

When PC Cox got out and spoke to him he swore at the officer. Mr Thomas said: "The officers saw Edwards in Sidmouth Street later the same evening and he made the same gesture with his left hand and swore at them."

Edwards, who represented himself in court, said the incident started because his friend threw his T-shirt into the road as the police car came along.

He said: "It didn't start with me raising my arm at the police officers, but I was a bit abusive towards them.

"I was drunk and I apologise. I had been drinking from lunchtime. I am not a big drinker normally and I had not had anything to eat all day."