A DRUNKEN Tamworth man who swore at police officers three times was attempting to prevent his girlfriend from causing a scene.

Dale John Horsfall was hit with fines and charges totalling £330 after he told officers three times to "f*** off".

The 31-year-old had been out with his girlfriend on Friday, January 20 for the evening and were both "merry" when they exchanged angry words early the following morning over "silly little things".

His partner began speaking to two police officers who had been attracted to the disturbance, prompting Horsfall to shout her away as he feared she may cause a problem.

Defence solicitor Charles Lawton explained at Burton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, February 2, that his client "wanted to ensure his girlfriend did not get in any trouble, but the irony is, he ended up being arrested himself."

Horsfall, of Camhouses in Wilnecote, was warned twice for swearing at the officers, before being arrested on the third occasion.

Horsfall pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Mr Bannister urged magistrates to deal with his client by way of a financial penalty.

He stressed that Horsfall had co-operated fully with the police after the offence, and had spent a night in the cells already.

Magistrates gave Horsfall a fine of £230, and ordered him to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

He offered to pay the £330 at a rate of £100 per month.