UNEMPLOYED Paul King has apologised to magistrates for insulting a police officer following a brawl with another man at a Chippenham pub.

King, 22, of Downham Mead, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to a public order offence when he appeared before magistrates in Chippenham on Monday.

The incident occurred on March 1 when police were called to The Borough Arms in Wood Lane at 11.40pm to break up a fight between two men, one of them King.

PC Rob Kilgour of Chippenham police attempted to diffuse the situation by telling King to calm down.

However, the defendant swore at him and lunged at the other man, prompting his arrest.

Addressing the court, King apologised for insulting PC Kilgour, and said he behaved in that way because he had just been beaten up.

He was fined £70 and ordered to pay £55 costs.