A carp fisherman in Fife claimed to have coronavirus when challenged about the legality of his angling gear.
Deriusz Surmacz was told the claim was a “piece of nastiness”, coming as it did in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Surmacz had been fishing with a group on the east side of Kinghorn Loch when the incident occurred.
He was fined £300 for abusing an expert who asked to check his kit and the police who were subsequently called.
‘Corona, corona, corona’
Fiscal depute Eve McKaig told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court the 46-year-old was challenged by a fellow fisherman, who happened to be walking round the loch that day.
She said: “Witness Batchelor is a member of the Scottish Carp Group and as such has responsibility to approach anglers to ensure they are using the correct equipment.
“He came across the fishermen, one of whom was the accused and asked if they had the appropriate equipment.”
He said Mr Batchelor had discussed the issue with Surmacz but had walked away to call the police due to his aggressive behaviour.
She added police arrived at about 1.45pm but Surmacz continued to shout.
“Officers attended and conducted a search of the accused.
“He shouted ‘corona, corona, corona‘ and told officers to get back.
“He then said he was joking.
“He was cautioned and charged in relation to this incident.”
‘A piece of nastiness’
Solicitor Christine Hagen said Surmacz had been drinking in relation to some personal issues, though he was not ordinarily a drinker.
She said he apologised for the way he had spoken to the witnesses.
Surmacz, of St Kilda Crescent, Kirkcaldy, admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner at Kinghorn Loch on February 27, 2021.
Sheriff Alastair Brown told him: “The man was just trying to do his duty – it’s not acceptable to abuse him for that.
“The police were just doing their duty – it’s unacceptable to abuse them for that.
“In February 2021 coronavirus was a serious problem, and shouting about it was a piece of nastiness.
“You have not been in any other trouble, I hope you are going to behave yourself in future.
“To help remind you, you will pay a fine of £300.”
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