A man charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour told a court room he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and an enemy of Saddam Hussein.
Paul Clifford, 56, of Pegasus Court, Biggleswade, was arrested in the town’s Market Square after shouting abuse at passers-by and when arrested continued to make offensive hand gestures to customers of a nearby café.
But despite this he claims he was protecting people from bad people and was ‘just doing his job.’ Bedford Magistrates’ Court were told on Tuesday that Clifford, who receives £100 a fortnight in benefits, was shouting he was the son of God and that he had a ‘run-in’ with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.
He was arrested after a call was made to police by a member of the public and when later questioned admitted to the public order offence.
Clifford’s defence solicitor, Andrew Brumhill, said: “I have been instructed by my client to inform the court that he says he is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and was simply putting his view across.
“He was talking to members of the public and because of his views he does attract a reaction.
“He said that he had a run-in with Saddam Hussein in 2003.” Clifford, who pleaded guilty, said before sentencing: “I scare away bad people that’s why I’m here.
“I’m Jesus and I’m just going about my job. I don’t blame the police they have to follow up the calls.” Magistrates fined Clifford £30 and ordered him to pay £50 court costs with a £15 victim surcharge.
