Drunk man arrested after mistaking female police officer for a stripper

A man found himself sobering up in a cell after drunkenly mistaking a female police officer for a stripper, a court has been told. Paul Harbord had been drinking all day when he made the mistake and flicked a towel at the officer in the Black Bull, in Old Shotton, near Peterlee, County Durham, on December 29. Peterlee magistrates heard the 27-year-old rigger was part of a large group dressed up and looking forward to some “entertainment” booked for later that evening.

A female police officer arrived at the pub, following concerns that the group was getting “rowdy”. Vicky Wilson, prosecuting, said: “Harbord shouted “look, here is one of the strippers” as he flicked a bar towel in the officer’s face.” Harbord, who was arrested after the incident, pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer. Jaxon Taylor, mitigating, said: “The defendant and a large group of friends were celebrating together.



“Some were dressed in pyjamas, some in Christmas jumpers. They consumed a quantity of alcohol throughout the day. A number of the party became rowdy. One of the defendant’s friends had suggested some entertainment had been booked for later. When a lone female police officer attended, someone shouted “here come the strippers” but it wasn’t my client. He waved a beer towel from the bar in her face. He honestly didn’t believe it was a police officer until he was taken to Peterlee police station.

“He was quite embarrassed by the whole situation. His friends have had a good laugh at him but he realises how serious it is. It was an honest and genuine mistake.” Harbord was given a six-month conditional discharge and told to pay £100 in costs and victim surcharge. Chairman of the bench David Carr said: “We have listened to this unfortunate affair. I have no doubt people around you were goading you and laughing but it is a serious offence to obstruct a police officer.”