A MAN appeared in court yesterday after waving a beer bottle above his head during a foul-mouthed tirade at police officers.

Ricky Ross Cliff was in Bishop Auckland Market Place at about 1am when he began shouting at officers.

He appeared before Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm and distress on July 7.

The court heard that he swore at officers, shouting: "They want to get some proper jobs."

He was warned and initially walked away, but was then seen again, this time brandishing a bottle of Budweiser above his head and cursing.

Magistrates told the defendant that he is likely to face community punishment.

Cliff, of River Walk, West Auckland will be sentenced next Friday.