Man caught stealing wine from Co-op got 'lairy' after police officer used 'Portsmouthian language'

What could have been a simple theft arrest turned ‘lairy’ when Scott Edward Cooper, 31, was dealt with by an officer using local slang.

The Isle of Wight County Press reports Cooper, of Green Street, Ryde, was apprehended after stealing from the Co-op in Pyle Street, Newport.

The officer’s choice of words is unclear, but the spat formed part of Cooper's prosecution as he admitted one count of theft and making threats.

Prosecutor Vivian Ducie said: ‘It's a standard shop theft. He stole a bottle of wine from the co-op on Pyle Street, Newport.

‘When the arresting officer tried to use “Portsmouthian language” towards him, things unfortunately got a bit lairy.’

The County Press reported Cooper was released on post-sentence supervision after a 12-week prison spell that began in October.

He was ordered by magistrates on the Isle of Wight to pay £20 compensation to the Co-op for his latest run-in with the law.

Mr Ducie told the court the incident was a ‘singular blip for a man who has been doing remarkably well with his probation.’

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Cooper's defence, Barry Arnett, added: ‘It's very refreshing to see a probation officer come to court to say just how well someone has been doing.

‘This was a brief lapse in his judgement and a brief lapse in his streak of staying away from alcohol.

‘He is sincerely sorry and as you have heard he is taking the steps to turn his life around.’