A KENT teenager is celebrating after his controversial fine for swearing was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Student Kurt Walker, 18, said: “I was over the moon when I got the letter to say they had dropped the case."

Mr Walker, of Blenheim Road in Deal added: “It has been a really stressful time and I am just glad they have seen sense,” he added.

Mr Walker was due in court at the end of the month to challenge the on-the-spot £80 fine handed out by a policewoman in Victoria Park.

“I felt really intimidated by the actions of the officer and this has been hanging over me for weeks,” he said.

Mr Walker’s mother, Kim, is as relieved as her son that the case is closed and they can put it behind them.

She said: “When I first found out about the fine I was gobsmacked and was not looking forward to going to court. I would have paid the fine and costs for him but it really should not have gone this far.

“Surely the police have more important things to do than dishing out these fines.”

Mrs Walker said she has been amazed at the support for her son since the East Kent Mercury highlighted the case.

“I am really grateful to everyone who has backed Kurt in his fight against this ridiculous fine,” she added.

Area youth and community officer Bill Butler said it was good news that the police had reconsidered the case. “None of us condone bad language but this has led to a lot of stress for Kurt and he can now put it behind him.”

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution service said Mr Walker was summoned to appear before Ashford Magistrates’ Court for an offence under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.

“It was alleged that he had used abusive or insulting words within the hearing of a person likely to be caused harassment alarm or distress,” she said.

“This case was one where the CPS is not required to authorise prosecution before proceedings are commenced.

“The case file was received from the police on February 13 and was subjected to the usual review by the CPS.

“After that full review the case was discussed with the police and it was agreed that the evidence did not support the allegation made. The case was therefore terminated at the earliest opportunity.”