Man launched foul-mouthed tirade at policeman on way home from anger management course

A motorist launched a foul-mouthed tirade at a policeman – on his way home from an anger-management session. Philip Croft had been sent on the course after attacking someone. The dad-of-one, 40, was so riled by an argument that broke out in his anger-control group that he was still fuming when he was pulled over for speeding in Manchester.

A court heard the officer was only going to warn Croft about speeding – but was met with a four-lettered rant. Croft had been ordered to take part in the anger-management classes by the court in August after admitting carrying out an assault in March. District judge Mark Hadfield told Croft: “There’s a certain irony that on your way back from an anger-management session you behaved like this with a police officer."



Croft, of Bronte Street, Chorlton-upon-Medlock, near the city centre, admitted a public order offence. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £85 court costs. He had previous public order offences on his record, Manchester magistrates court was told. Croft was stopped by police on London Road in the city centre. Dominic Geelan, prosecuting, said: "The officer felt he was exceeding the speed limit." Croft then let out the torrent of abuse.

Rachel Andrews, defending, told the court: "He had attended a group session near Minshull Street. Unfortunately, that session had ended early because people in the group were causing a disturbance. My client says this upset him. When he left the session he drove home and was feeling angry. He has been quite candid and accepts that he swore."