A teenager was hit with an £80 fine for using the F-word while talking to his friend.
Kurt Walker was asked by his companion what he was up to and replied: 'F*** all, mate.'
But the private conversation was overheard by a police officer, who promptly handed a him a fixed penalty notice.
If we were to fine everyone £80 for using that word we could solve the national debt
However, the 18-year-old is refusing to pay the fine – the same punishment as that dished out for being drunk and disorderly, stealing goods worth up to £200 or causing £500 damage.
The student, from Deal, Kent, said he was given the penalty notice as he walked home from a community centre where he does voluntary work.
He added: 'I was gobsmacked. I walked off up the street furious. It's my right to swear in a private conversation. The police officer should not even have been listening – she was snooping.
'If I told you what I thought of this stupid law that makes a criminal of you for swearing, I'd get another £80 fine. It's ridiculous.'
Shami Chakrabati, director of human rights group Liberty, said: 'This is a snapshot of summary justice in the Prime Minister's Britain. Kids will never learn to respect the law when it becomes a licence for petty bullying.'
The Rev Ian Gregory, of the Campaign for Courtesy, said: 'If we were to fine everyone £80 for using that word we could solve the national debt.'
Kent Police insisted swearing was a crime under the Public Order Act. A spokesman said: 'If Mr Walker is not happy, he can have his case decided by court.'
The £80 on-the-spot fines were introduced in 2003 as part of Tony Blair's 'respect' campaign.
Couldent have happen to a nicer chav.
Reminds me of a bus journey to city airport
Lol.
Personally, I agree with the fine. The F word is the worst swear word in the English language...it bugs me how easily people throw it around. :?
I'm totally against swearing...however, if one HAS to swear in extreme anger there are many milder, more socially acceptable swear words available in the English languge.
Imagine paying 2000 fine for your children for not attending school or they have to serve a 3 month prison sentence?
I overheard one boy saying at 9.30am; either he's running late for school or the second option, I quote "I care if my mom goes inside... I hate school" !
No I don't agree with that law of course... :?
Parents shouldnt have to suffer because of their children.
But swearing is rampant. Maybe this will serve as a deterrence.
i saw that on the news the other day and found it really really funny. I too cant stand people who are using the F word in every sentence or after each word!
I always think those who are stupid always replace english with foul language!
and have you noticed its asians (read: pakistani's) who use alot of foul language?
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
MuslimSis got it exactly right - the F-word is disgusting and disgraceful and i also cannot believe how easily people throw it around. its worrying. i cant help but cringe every time i hear it. my non-muslim mates thought i was being a prude when i asked them not to use it in front of me... :oops:
[size=9]I NEVER WORE IT BECAUSE OF THE TALIBAN, MOTHER. I LIKE THE [b]MODESTY[/b] AND [b]PROTECTION[/b] IT AFFORDS ME FROM THE EYES OF MEN.[/size] [url=http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/Dust.html]Dust, X-Men[/url]
In glasgow its mainly the junkies and pakistani's that use it, i think the pakistani's think they look cool using foul language :? FREAKS
Maybe cuz i am around a lot of pakistani's (areas-wise) and the uni i go to, the area there is very rough!
Swearing bothers me...
I noticed girls swear like truck drivers now. I don't know what happened to the "Lady" but i'd very much like her back.
I think the feminazi killed her
thats cos ur frm oldham
and I'm frm east london
we can only generalise
btw this bit made me laugh
can anybody help me to stop swearing sometimes i just feel i have to do it in copious amounts today being a prime day for it
i swear too-
but only to my stupid bro and in front of sis in extreme anger
never in front of my elders tho
Shock therapy?
Actually the best thing is to watch what you watch and who you hang out with.
For example if you watch American History X and hang out with truck drivers you will probably start using that kind of language.
i have no bad company
BUT i do watch MTV though
buit i doubt that's to blame for my foul mouth at times-i aint into heavy rap
thats really funny because i almost do both (female equivalents)
lol MTV is a cultural cancer in its own right.
and thanks muslimsis i was beginning to feel i was crooked as no one here seems to swear or like it.
What was that name of that Fat truck driver from American history X? I should know this really one of my favorite films- haven’t watch a movie since that.
Seth?
That was an amazing film, I saw it at an amnesty international meeting and immediately bought it then never watched it again.
It's one of those movies you are never in the mood for.
A real masterpiece though.
LOL seems
other than throwing "crap" around at times
my sister never swears-and often bashes me on the head when I swear
BTW guys shud I change my user name to LILSIS?
Very much no.
Also get your original avatar back so I can call you cyclops (in an endearing manner) again.
i dont like being mistaken for her
I have my OWN identity n personality
maybe u guys shud just get some glasses :twisted:
We can go back to calling you Madheia
I still think Cyclops is good.
being fined for swearing? Swearing is a disgusting habit. But like the lad said he was having a private conversation, it was none of the officers business. His swearing didn't harm anyone. I mean his friend didn't have any objections. Seems pathetic are the government running out of ideas to raise funds :roll:
about 6 years ago I used to swear with every other word I used in the house. I would never swear outside, or amongst friends. I think certain music and movies played a huge part in this. I quit the music and movies. I learned not to swear.
Now 6 years on i'm a totally different person. I've found ways of expressing myself without needing to use that nasty language. Ppl take you more seriously, you get more respect and best of all God is pleased with your clean language.
I agree with Admin a lot of asians and black ppl tend to swear a lot coz they think it's part of the cool, tough, ghetto image. They're all gangster wannabes. When their heros are rapsters who use f this and that, for every other chorus what do you expect?
I think u shud, it sounds cute.
Dave why shouldnt she change it? We call her lilsis anyway! I never use lilsis's name cuz i make a disaster out of it lol
There is a logic to this but it is an example of draconian petty governance. If the fine were a fiver it might be acceptable but our language would be impoverished, not improved. We can set ourselves to inventing swear words they cannot fine you for, but they can never truly replace the old ones.
[size=9]Whatever you do, know that I will always love you. Or else.[/size]
It’s harsh but it’s needed in my opinion.
If people want they can shoot their mouth off and use every swearword/dirty word they want in the privacy of their own homes…however, in public out of respect of others they should keep their mouth shut, and if they are unable to do so, maybe this fine will serve as a deterrence.
I dislike hearing crude talk/language on the bus or just generally when I’m out and about…nowadays, people just don’t care who may overhear them.