Three off-duty Lancashire firemen who chased a youth along Morecambe seafront after they had been subjected to abuse in a pub have each been fined £250. But a judge said he hoped that the part-time officers would not lose their jobs as a result of their appearance in court. Preston Crown Court heard that Andrew Davidson, John Nicholls and David Townley, all based at Carnforth fire station, had been out celebrating after receiving a bravery commendation. But while in a number of pubs in Morecambe, they were singled out for abuse and threats from a youth. Later in the evening, they saw the youth again, and he and a group of friends attacked the firemen. They responded by chasing the youth and rounding on him.

Davidson, 26, of Hawes Street, Nicholls, 35, of Hawes Avenue and Townley, of Hawes Hill, Carnforth, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour.

A jury cleared Davidson of assaulting WPC Michelle Hollywood as she tried to arrest him during the same incident. They took less than two minutes to return their unanimous not guilty verdict.

Jeremy Lasker, defending, said all three defendants had given sterling service to the community. They were part-time firemen but their service in the fire brigade was a way of life to them. Mr Lasker said: "They will all be desperately unhappy if they have to give up their duties. It has been a nightmare for them. On that night they lost their patience and acted out of character."

All would now face a fire brigade board of inquiry and a senior officer had been in court throughout the proceedings.

Recorder Peter Openshaw QC, told the defendants: "All three of you lost your patience after being provoked by the tiresome behaviour of that youth. In my judgement, you are and remain decent, respectable and hard working members of the community. Personally I hope you will be able to continue as firemen."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.