AN ABUSIVE thug threatened police officers with violence during the height of the first coronavirus lockdown.

Paul Toomey was stopped by police in Crawley on three occasions, on one occasion resisting arrest.

It was revealed he had made gestures or displayed writing with intent to provoke “fear of immediate unlawful violence”, Crawley Magistrates’ Court heard.

The 56-year-old admitted three counts of harassment by using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour over the two incidents in April and one in June.

Toomey, of Victoria Close, Horley, was jailed for 17 weeks.

The court ruled he had been abusive on several occasions and caused “significant distress”.

He was told to pay £200 in compensation to the victims, with a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.

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