A man who allegedly hurled insults at a police officer has been released on bail.

Eric Richardson, 32, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to using offensive words against a police officer.

Richardson was already on bail for other offences and was staying at his mother’s house.

When police came to check whether he was complying with a curfew on Friday, Richardson was reportedly absent visiting a neighbour.

The defence said that by the time he returned to talk to the officers, they had left.

The next day, when the police returned, they detained Richardson for breaking his curfew. The accused then reportedly engaged in a series of insults and homophobic slurs against the officers.

His defence argued: “It strikes me that with a little common sense this all could have been avoided — Mr Richardson hadn’t been seen in town or on the beaches.”

She said that Richardson had no knowledge of the curfew conditions and should have been informed about the condition that prohibits him from being outside beyond 6pm. She further argued that he was subjected to unfair treatment based on his reputation, leading to his outburst.

Whether Richardson was arrested on private property or on Warwick Camp Road, a public road, was contested, with the defence claiming that police possibly “hauled him somewhere else”.

Insults expressed on private property would not likely be a chargeable offence.

The Crown argued that Richardson previously had his bail terms explained to him in full.

Senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson referred to Richardson’s history of being through the court system.

“If Bermuda had proper facilities in place, we would not see ourselves here again and again,” she said.

“However, Mr Richardson has some of the blame. If you appear before me for another breach or crime, you will be remanded.”

Richardson was released on $2,000 bail.