A DRUNK Ellesmere Port teenager was verbally abusive towards police after he admitted starting a fire.

Jason Paul Fisher, 19, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in the incident, which happened in Sutton Way on March 27.

The case at Chester Magistrates Court was the first one to be completed since the lockdown was imposed back in March. The court reopened on Monday, June 29, with a new one-way system, social distancing guidelines and hand gel dispensers installed.

Prosecuting, Ayra Ali said there were reports Fisher, of Redhills Mews, had started a fire and police were deployed to the scene.

Fisher admitted having started the fire and police could see he was intoxicated, being unsteady on his feet and slurring his speech.

He was apologising for having started the fire one moment and being aggressive the next, the court heard, and was verbally abusive to police.

Representing himself, Fisher said: "I have nothing to say."

The court heard Fisher had no previous convictions.

Magistrates handed him a 12-month conditional discharge and he was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £21 victim surcharge.