A DRUNKEN tip worker has been up before the magistrates after attempting to perform a citizen's arrest on a traffic warden in Hereford.
David Poole, of Kingsway, Hereford, admitted assaulting another person by beating when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.
Prosecutor Melanie Winterflood said it was an unusual case as the offence had taken place while Poole was trying to effect a citizen's arrest in Hereford on July 5.
The victim had been managing an event car park and trying to keep roads clear when he saw a car parked in an area it should not have been stopped in, Miss Winterflood said.
He went to speak to the driver, but as he did so, he was approached by Poole, who asked him if he thought he was some sort of police officer.
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Poole, who had been drinking, told the victim to leave the driver alone and kept getting in the victim's way, the court was told.
He then told the victim he was going to carry out a citizen's arrest and grabbed him by the wrists.
The victim, who said he had felt intimidated by Poole, managed to radio for help and Poole was arrested.
In interview with police he made full and frank admissions, and said he felt he had the right to perform a citizen's arrest as it was unfair that a civil enforcement officer had been speaking to the man in the car.
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He said he had been drinking but that his behaviour was normal for him, but did accept that he had unlawfully touched the victim and that he had been silly and childish.
Edmund Middleton, for Poole, 43, said the court could probably glean from his interview that he talks too much.
"He is hindered by an enthusiasm to intervene in matters that are not his business and that has got him into some bother on this occasion," Mr Middleton said.
"He knew the person in the car and was aware they were having some financial difficulties and so he was trying to do him a favour. It is clear that was not appropriate."
Poole, who Mr Middleton said works for the council in refuse management, was fined £200 and must pay compensation of £50, costs of £135, and a £50 victim surcharge.
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