Fine for PC drunk at football game

Published on Thursday 22 May 2008 21:30

A DRUNKEN police officer was thrown out of a football match then hurled abuse at stewards and police outside the ground, a court heard yesterday.

Kenneth Burnett, a constable who has served with Grampian Police for 26 years, drank "seven or eight" pints of lager before going to the Scottish Cup tie between Falkirk and Aberdeen.

The Aberdeen supporter was initially allowed into Falkirk Stadium, but was soon ejected after stewards saw him stumble as he staggered towards his seat.

Burnett, a father of two, pleaded with police to let him back in to the ground, but was turned away and told to leave the stadium about 15 minutes into the game.

The 44-year-old officer, who earns 32,000 a year, made his way to a bus he had organised for a supporters club, but was told by stewards Paul Abercromby and Danny Sellman that he would not be allowed on until the driver returned.

Burnett, who was wearing an Aberdeen FC jacket and hat, shouted: "I paid 400 for this bus and I'm f***ing getting on it."

At Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, Mr Abercromby, 36, a car park supervisor at the stadium, said

: "We could tell he was drunk because he was staggering. When we told him he couldn't get on the bus he got angry and kept swearing and pushing past us to get on the bus. He lunged at me as if to push or hit me."

He added: "I have worked for Falkirk FC for 13 years, and you get the odd scuffle, but this was the worst I have had and the first time I have had to get police involved."

Mr Sellman, 20, a car park steward, added: "He turned and went towards my supervisor in an aggressive way. It looked like he was going to go for him."

When he was arrested, Burnett asked police: "What the f*** are you two doing? I am a police officer with 26 years of service. Get to f***." He added: "Don't do this to me."

Burnett, of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was convicted of conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and committing a breach of the peace on 14 January. He had denied the offence.

Burnett claimed the police officers who earlier gave evidence were lying and said he was staggering because of a back problem combined with the drink he had taken. He said: "I have had 26 years in the police and don't get aggressive."

David Hunter, defending, told the court a conviction could mean disciplinary proceedings which could cost Burnett salary and pension rights.

Sheriff Craig Caldwell found Burnett guilty, and said: "I do not find the accused's evidence credible".

Fining him 750, he added: "It is concerning that you have acted in this way and let yourself and the police force down. This conduct would not have occurred if you had not consumed so much alcohol.

"You are a very experienced officer and you should have known what you were doing was not acceptable."

A spokeswoman for Grampian Police confirmed Burnett could face disciplinary action over the incident. She said:

"A report on the circumstances will be submitted to the Deputy Chief Constable by the force's professional standards department for his consideration."