A defendant changed his plea twice and shouted from the dock in a dramatic court appearance for being drunk and disorderly.

Colin Knowles, 40, told Macclesfield Magistrates court he was being ‘shafted’ as he stood in the dock to face the charge.

The defendant, of Athey Street, Macclesfield, initially pleaded guilty to the charge relating to an incident on December 8 last year in Macclesfield town centre.

But after hearing the prosecution’s case, he shouted from the dock that he wanted to change his plea to not guilty, insisting he disagreed with the version of events.

After interjections from the court clerk and a warning from magistrates about his behaviour in the dock, Knowles changed his plea back to guilty and magistrates sentenced him for his crime.

Prosecuting, Debbie Byrne, said: “It was about 6.20pm when officers attended an incident on Chestergate.

“They saw a male walking away from a group of people further down the road who has been identified as the defendant.

“Another officer was talking to this group.

“One officer went to speak to the defendant but he became abusive and volatile.

“PC Nixon went to help her.

“The defendant was drunk and started to shout abuse at PC Nixon.

“He was taken to the ground and arrested.”

Defending himself, Knowles said: “I want to change my plea to not guilty after what she said. That’s not what happened.

“I was drunk but it wasn’t on Chestergate.

“I was talking to the young lady here with me at court today.

“I was talking to her on Bridge Street and walked away.

“They grabbed me straight away and threw me to the ground.

“I’ve changed my mind. I’m not being kangarooed, I’m going to get shafted.”

The clerk asked Knowles to clarify his plea and magistrates warned him to stop interrupting the court.

The chairman said: “Mr Knowles, will you please wait for people to stop talking before interrupting.

“It’s part of the judicial process that we hear the evidence put forward here and you have your opportunity to have your say.

“If you don’t be quiet I’ll send you down to the cells until you can give the court the respect it deserves.”

The defendant then changed his plea again, saying: “I’ll go guilty, let’s just get this over with.”

He said nothing in defence of the charge before being fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Knowles said: “This is a kangaroo court,” as he left the room.