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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Fine threat over T-shirt slogan | Fine threat over T-shirt slogan |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| A man spotted wearing a T-shirt bearing an "offensive" slogan in a city centre has been warned he risks an £80 fine if he is caught again. | A man spotted wearing a T-shirt bearing an "offensive" slogan in a city centre has been warned he risks an £80 fine if he is caught again. |
| Forklift driver David Pratt was told by street wardens in Peterborough he could cause offence or incite violence. | Forklift driver David Pratt was told by street wardens in Peterborough he could cause offence or incite violence. |
| The slogan on the garment read: "Don't piss me off! I am running out of places to hide the bodies." | The slogan on the garment read: "Don't piss me off! I am running out of places to hide the bodies." |
| Peterborough City Council said using insulting or offensive language was an offence, even if it appeared in print. | Peterborough City Council said using insulting or offensive language was an offence, even if it appeared in print. |
| Mr Pratt, 46, an American living in Peterborough, was approached by the wardens as he waited for a bus with his wife Elly. | |
| It's a bummer because I like the shirt but I am trying to get citizenship but if I get a fine I can kiss citizenship goodbye David Pratt | It's a bummer because I like the shirt but I am trying to get citizenship but if I get a fine I can kiss citizenship goodbye David Pratt |
| "It is insane, I have worn it in the city centre hundreds of times", said Mr Pratt, whose wife bought him the T-shirt in Venice Beach, California. | |
| "Most people who see it just chuckle. Some people have even stopped me to tell me they like my T-shirt. | "Most people who see it just chuckle. Some people have even stopped me to tell me they like my T-shirt. |
| "We have put this incident online on several blogs and 90% of people who have commented said they found it hilarious or that I should have the right to wear it wherever I like." | "We have put this incident online on several blogs and 90% of people who have commented said they found it hilarious or that I should have the right to wear it wherever I like." |
| Asked whether he would wear the T-shirt again, Mr Pratt replied: "I am wearing it now. If I get a written apology I will wear it in the city centre again." | Asked whether he would wear the T-shirt again, Mr Pratt replied: "I am wearing it now. If I get a written apology I will wear it in the city centre again." |
| Mr Pratt faces an £80 fine if he wears the T-shirt again | Mr Pratt faces an £80 fine if he wears the T-shirt again |
| He continued: "It's a bummer because I like the shirt but I am trying to get citizenship but if I get a fine I can kiss citizenship goodbye." | |
| He added: "I really don't see how the wording on my T-shirt could incite violence - it's humour, that's all it is." | |
| In a statement, Peterborough City Council said: "The incident is the subject of an official complaint to the council and is currently under investigation. | In a statement, Peterborough City Council said: "The incident is the subject of an official complaint to the council and is currently under investigation. |
| "However, using offensive, abusive, or insulting language is an offence under the Public Order Act, which also applies to such language appearing in print. | "However, using offensive, abusive, or insulting language is an offence under the Public Order Act, which also applies to such language appearing in print. |
| "In what was an amicable conversation, the street warden advised the gentleman concerned that his T-shirt could cause offence and if he was to wear it again he could run the risk of being issued an £80 on-the-spot fine from the police." | "In what was an amicable conversation, the street warden advised the gentleman concerned that his T-shirt could cause offence and if he was to wear it again he could run the risk of being issued an £80 on-the-spot fine from the police." |