Angry Hanley drinker clashed with police at Chicago Rock Cafe

FORKLIFT truck driver Matthew Gillan became abusive when he was being thrown out of a nightclub on New Year's Eve – after waiting too long for a drink.

The 24-year-old had been asked to leave Chicago Rock Cafe, in Hanley, by a bouncer.

But North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Gillan did not want to leave and punched the doorman as he tried to break free.

And when police went to get involved, the defendant knocked a sergeant's helmet off his head.

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In his police interview, Gillan confirmed he did swear inside the club but not directly at bar staff. He denied punching the doorman but admitted knocking the officer's helmet off.

Gillan, of Galleys Bank, Kidsgrove, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive words or behaviour.

Representing himself, Gillan told the court he lost his temper after waiting 'ages' for a drink. He told magistrates he did knock the officer's helmet off after he had 'a bit of a hissy fit' when he was kicked out of the club.

The court heard Gillan recognises he could have handled the situation differently.

He has not been back to Chicago Rock since the incident.

Magistrates fined Gillan £205 and ordered him to pay £85 costs.