A 52-year-old man has been found guilty of verbally abusing a PCSO in Glastonbury.

Mark McMurray, of Blackford near Wedmore, failed to turn up at South Somerset Magistrates' Court last week but was convicted in his absence of two public order offences.

On both January 12 and January 15 he shouted and swore at a PCSO on Glastonbury High Street.

McMurray was fined £440 and must pay court costs of £314.

Glastonbury neighbourhood sergeant Simon Lancey said: "The physical or verbal abuse of any of our officers or staff will not be tolerated.

"The fine issued to Mark McMurray demonstrates how seriously the courts take such conduct and I hope it sends a strong message to anyone who thinks they can behave in such a way."