A drunk told police officers he hoped they would get coronavirus and die, justices heard.

Police were called to Rosebery Street, Broadgreen, on March 21 to deal with another matter. Malin Samir, a friend of the person being arrested, began shouting abuse at the officers.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger told Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning the 30-year-old was instructed to go inside the house he was waiting outside.

He complied with the instruction for a brief period but returned to the street. He told police he “wished they would die from coronavirus”.

Again, Samir went into the house before appearing at a window and shouting more vile abuse.

When he was finally arrested he said to constables taking him back to Gablecross police station: “I’m drunk. I can say what I want.”

Samir, of Blandford Court, Park North, admitted disorderly behaviour. Tony Nowogrodzki, defending, said his client was very remorseful and could not remember the incident as he had been so drunk.

Magistrates fined him £75, deemed paid by time served.