A Warwick man who tried to escape arrest by running from police was this morning ordered to pay $1,500 in fines.

Tarik Smith, 25, pleaded guilty to charges of using offensive words to police and escaping lawful custody in an incident earlier this week.

The court heard that at around 10.30pm on Monday, officers were on mobile patrol on Crow Lane when they saw a car, driven by Smith, make an illegal U-turn. The officers stopped Smith and, when asked about his manner of driving, he said he had dropped his hat and was attempting to get it back.

A red hat was subsequently collected in the road but the officers discovered the Smith had outstanding warrants.

The officers began to arrest Smith but before the handcuffs could be put on he shouted: “F*** that.”

He then ran from the officers but was caught and handcuffed. As he was being arrested, Smith shouted an array of profanities at the officers, despite being warned that using offensive language was also an offence.

Appearing in Magistrates’ Court this morning, Smith apologised to the officers, saying: “I felt like they played me. They switched on me.”

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner, however, said the officers were merely doing their jobs, fining Smith $1,000 for his offensive language and $500 for escaping lawful custody.