A MAN who repeatedly swore and shook his fist at police officers outside Darlington Memorial Hospital has been fined.

Charles Watson, 43, of Harrison Court, Darlington, pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, October 25).

Prosecuting, Blair Martin said that a child who walked past Watson was “visibly shocked” by his behaviour outside the hospital at 6.30pm on October 14.

Defending himself, he told district judge Christina Harrison that the “agony” of a poorly hand had triggered his bad language.

She fined him £73 and ordered him to pay £40 towards court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.