Man's one-fingered salute to police officer costs tax payers 'over £7,000'

Flipping the finger at police could cost the taxpayer at least £7,000, it was claimed yesterday. Authorities have been accused of wasting thousands on prosecuting a man for giving two police officers 'the finger'.

They pushed ahead with the 'trivial' case, which could end up costing £10,000 if an appeal is made, said solicitor David Battaliou.

His client, Frank McGuigan, landed in trouble after allegedly making the offensive gesture at constables through a bus window. The officers stopped and boarded the bus in Exmouth, Devon, arresting the 54-year-old for a public order offence.


Photo from here.

He refused to pay a fixed penalty notice and was taken to court last week. He denied the charge, claiming he had only pointed his finger and had not intended to cause offence during the incident on June 25.

McGuigan was given a £50 fine and a conditional discharge at Exeter Magistrates' Court. 'This is too trivial to be heard in court and represented a waste of taxpayers' money,' said Mr Battaliou.

But the CPS said it did not want police being abused in the street, regardless of the expense. 'At no point is cost a factor because we don't put a price on justice,' a spokesman added.