A DRUNKEN man who repeatedly shouted abuse outside the home of off-duty police officers has been sentenced to a 12 week curfew.

James Taylor, aged 32, was seen standing in the middle of the road outside Neil and Michelle Ingham’s Bolton home, swearing and shouting abuse on several occasions, Bolton magistrates heard.

The couple are both serving police officers and, after he was arrested, he claimed he knew Mr Ingham from his school days and was aware of his occupation.

“He said he had something to get off his chest,” said Tess Kenyon, prosecuting.

In a statement Mrs Ingham told the court: “I want him to realise we are human beings with a family to take care of.”

The court heard that Taylor committed several other offences including racially abusing a Premier Wine store worker as he loaded his van on February 28.

Then on April 2 Ms Kenyon said Taylor approached a Greeley Butcher’s van as it unloaded goods in Horwich at 5.30am and was sold a pie.

But later in the day police visited his former partner’s address and spotted a tray full of 23 pies in the kitchen.

Taylor admitted he had taken them and apologised.

On April 28, at 2am he attacked a plumber’s van with a golf club in Lostock.

He was spotted with the club later in Chorley New Road and arrested, telling police he regularly played a game of golf in nearby fields at night.

Peter Leather, defending, said Taylor had learning difficulties at school, found work as a carpet fitter, but has been unemployed for the last six months.

“When stable he is perfectly capable of leading a law-abiding existence,” said Mr Leather, who added that, unable to gain employment, Taylor had started drinking excessively.

“These rather bizarre offences then occurred. He regrets his behaviour and is very remorseful,” he said.

Taylor, of Westbank Road, Lostock, pleaded guilty to harassment, racially aggravated harassment, theft and criminal damage.

Magistrates told Taylor he had caused distress to several people.

He was sentenced to a 12 week 7pm to 7am curfew, will be subject to a six month community order and a 15 day rehabilitation order. He was also told he must pay a £100 fine, a £150 criminal court charge, £100 compensation, £85 prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

A restraining order was also made banning Taylor from contacting Mr and Mrs Ingham.