Judge denies drunken row

Judge David Messenger is accused of being drunk and disorderly

A judge was abusive to police officers and said their behaviour would "cost them £5,000" as they marched him out of a late night kebab shop, a court has heard.

Deputy District Judge David Messenger, 49, was arrested at a takeaway in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, on 2 May and spent the night banging on his cell door.

Selby Magistrates' Court was told he refused to co-operate with officers and eventually damaged his cell.

Mr Messenger, of Valley Bridge Parade, Scarborough, denies being drunk and disorderly, two charges of wilfully obstructing police officers and another of causing £188 of damage to a cell button.

Shouts at public

The court heard that Mr Messenger was arrested at the Best Kebab shop in St Thomas's Street after intervening in an incident police were trying to sort out in the kitchen.

The magistrates were told that officers made the decision because he was "heavily intoxicated" and making the situation worse.

Richard Newbury, prosecuting, said as Mr Messenger was marched out of the shop he shouted to passers-by: "Tell them I'm a solicitor and a County Court Judge".

He added: "As the officers walked him back through the shop in the presence of waiting customers he was telling officers that this behaviour would cost them £5,000."

Lack of co-operation

Mr Newbury told the court that officers asked Mr Messenger for proof he was a solicitor during the argument.

He said: "Mr Messenger retorted 'what proof have you got that you are police officers' which rather went to confirm their assessment of him as both officers were in full police uniform and had a fully marked police car outside the door."

Magistrates heard that Mr Messenger's lack of co-operation continued when he arrived at the police station.

Mr Newbury said it took 40 minutes to book him in after he refused to give his personal details and asked one sergeant he knew for special treatment.

Note taking

He added: "When that failed he directed some personal comments at the officer about his level of education."

Mr Newbury said once the defendant was placed in the cells he spent the night banging on the door.

An officer later found the button that operated the cell's alarm bell was damaged, the court heard.

Mr Messenger sat in court taking notes wearing a dark blue suit.

The trial continues.