A SALISBURY man has been jailed for making "revolting and upsetting threats" to police.

Shafiq Rafiq, of Barnard Street, was arrested on June 7 in relation to threatening behaviour.

While in custody in Melksham, the 38-year-old was abusive and threatening to police officers and was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

One officer who was the subject of "repeated threats" from Rafiq, custody sergeant Martin Alvis said it was "completely unacceptable behaviour and really revolting and upsetting threats were made".

"I think it is really easy for custody staff to become immune to the daily abuse that we receive from detainees," he said, adding that officers "have to be seen to take a moral high ground".

"To a certain degree, we take this abuse with a pinch of salt, however, there are times when that level of abuse exceeds what is expected and there is no excuse for the detainee's behaviour."

Rafiq, who refused to leave his cell to attend court, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court during a trial in his absence this week.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order stating he must not harass, threaten, any public official including police and council workers.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “The circumstances in this case were such that it was felt necessary to ask for a criminal behaviour order to encourage Rafiq to engage positively with public officials when released from prison.

"Officers like those in custody do not deserve to be subject to threats or abuse of this nature and I am pleased the courts recognised the severity of this abuse within the sentence handed to Rafiq on this occasion.

"I would also like to commend Sgt Alvis who stood in court to give evidence in this trial.

“We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of racial abuse to never suffer in silence and report it to police on 101 or report it via the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk."