Man’s threatening behaviour

Ford Fiesta driver Mark Swift stopped in Sheffield Road, Creswell, shuffled back in his seat and placed his hand on his lap.

Mike Treharne, prosecuting, told magistrates at Chesterfield that Swift then appeared to commit a lewd act.

Swift, 28, then moved off and stopped further down the road and repeated the behaviour in front of two other females, making ‘lewd comments’ to them.

Mr Treharne said: “One lady said his disgusting behaviour and language upset her and she couldn’t bring herself to report it for a couple of days until her friend reported it on behalf of both of them.”

He added that Swift exposed himself to one woman and another described his behaviour as ‘vile and disgusting’ and it left her feeling apprehensive about walking alone.

Swift was arrested and told police he had not used any foul language or exposed himself during the incident, which took place at 6.30pm on 25th July.

David Lawson, for Swift, said his client claimed a woman talking to other pedestrians had stepped into his path and he stopped once and shouted ‘get off the road.’

He said that a confrontation with one woman escalated and he made lewd gestures towards her.

“He understands how they may have been frightened by his actions,” added Mr Lawson.

Mr Lawson described Swift, a single man living with his parents, as ‘a timid individual’ who had never been in trouble before.

Swift, of South Terrace, Wales admitted two charges of using threatening or insulting words or behaviour and was fined £235, with £85 costs. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each of his three victims.