A 19-year-old man who was abusive to a community warden has been fined by a court.

Wayne Pemble, of Cooks Lea, Eastry, near Dover, abused Rural Warden Bob Priestly on two occasions and was also seen cycling on the pavement.

Kent Police submitted a summons file against Pemble who appeared before magistrates at Folkestone. He was found guilty on two counts of Section 5 of the Public Order Act and fined £120.

Pemble was also fined £30 for cycling on a pavement. He was ordered to pay £43 costs.

Police have welcomed the penalty given to Pemble. Sgt Guy Thompson said: "Rural Partnership Wardens do a very important job in their communities and I am pleased with this result.

"It sends out a clear message that abuse against wardens will not be tolerated and we will prosecute those responsible."