A SOMERSET man has been found guilty of verbally abusing a police community support officer (PCSO) in Glastonbury. 

Mark McMurray, who lives in Blackford, Sedgemoor, was convicted of two public order offences in his absence at South Somerset Magistrates' Court in Yeovil last week.

The 52-year-old shouted and swore at the PCSO in Glastonbury's High Street on January 12 and January 15, 2022.

He was fined £440 and ordered to pay £314 in court costs, meaning he must pay a total of £754.

Glastonbury neighbourhood sergeant Simon Lancey said: “The physical or verbal abuse of any of our officers or staff will not be tolerated.

“The fine issued to Mark McMurray demonstrates how seriously the courts take such conduct and I hope it sends a strong message to anyone who thinks they can behave in such a way.”

The Crown Prosecution Service website says the law around public order offences is intended to “penalise the use of violence and/or intimidation by individuals or groups”.