A man in the UK was fined by the court for mocking firefighters as they fought a hotel fire and cops while proclaiming himself a Bitcoin “millionaire.”
There are times when it’s warranted to be assertive and aggressive, such as arguing a case in front of a jury or trying to broker a financial deal worth millions. However, it’s not a good time to act in such a manner when firefighters are working to battle a hotel fire and they tell you to get out of the way.
Harassing Firefighters and Police
The man in question, Darren Murray, got into trouble when he accosted firefighters working to tackle a fire at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay. The 46-year-old man tried to push his way past the firefighters, all the while demanding that he be allowed to go to his room.
Needless to say, the firefighters were not having any of it. Murray, smelling of alcohol and noticeably disheveled, then started yelling at the firefighters, saying:
I am a millionaire. I can do what I want! I pay all your wages. I sh*t more than you earn in a year.
The firefighters then asked the police to handle the matter. Law enforcement moved the Bitcoin “millionaire” away from the hotel, but Murray continued to be belligerent. Police noted that he kept his fists clenched, was uncooperative when finally arrested, and banged on the cage in the back of the police van.
Not Exactly Swimming in Cryptocurrency
When brought into the Truro Magistrates’ Court, Murray compounded his issues. He pled guilty but filled out his forms incorrectly, allowing the court to levy any fine amount they wished.
As for being a Bitcoin “millionaire,” it appears that Murray was not exactly ready to buy a Lambo. He said that he worked as a “blockchain developer” and currently had no income.
In the end, the court fined him £750 and also ordered him to pay £85 court costs and a £75 victim surcharge. Murray then failed to keep his mouth shut as he was leaving the court, muttering about a “grand fine.” The judge ordered him back into the court and told him that if continued to disrespect the court, he would be given 28 days in jail for contempt of court. Murray then made a reluctant apology and left.
Overall, this just goes to show not to be a drunken idiot, hassling firefighters as they try to contain a hotel fire. It’s also never good to smart off to the police when being arrested. It should also be noted that one shouldn’t proclaim themselves a Bitcoin “millionaire” when you’re essentially out of work. It’s hoped that Murray has enough cryptocurrency laying around to pay his fine.
Do you agree with the fine handed to Darren Murray? Do you know any crypto millionaires? Let us know in the comments below.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock and the Plymouth Herald.