Homeless man interrupted Armistice Day silence singing Bob Marley classic I Shot The Sheriff

A homeless man ruined a two minute silence for Armistice Day by singing the Bob Marley hit "I Shot The Sheriff" at the top of his voice in front of a town's dignitaries, a court heard today.

Kurk Wood was convicted of one count of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, despite failing to turn up in court.

A warrant was issued for his immediate arrest by magistrates in Reading, where he was due to be sentenced for belting out his rendition of the song during the two minute silence on November 11.

The mayor and civic dignitaries were joined by over 200 local people in laying poppies and wreaths and listening to the Last Post in Wokingham town centre

However as the last note rang out from the bugle and people bowed their head at the start of the two minute silence, 56-year-old Wood promptly emerged from the crowd and howled out "I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy," twice - to the disgust of the community.

Just two hours later a policeman recognised the homeless man and arrested him, despite Wood arguing that he had not done anything wrong.

Ngaa Zivuku, prosecuting, said: "There were around 200 people there to pay their respects.

"The silence began and then the defendant walked through the people and started singing loudly 'I shot the sheriff.' This caused many people to be distressed and shocked, with several people commenting to each other.

"Mr Wood was arrested two hours later where he told police that his behaviour did not warrant a crime."

Witness Bryony Trafford Smith said: "I got there about 10.55am. I was standing out across form the town hall. The mayor and the dignitaries were standing in front and the people were gathered around in a semi circle shape.

"The Last Post played and the silence started then suddenly 'I shot the sheriff" was sung very loudly twice in succession. It was sung very clearly and very loudly.

"I looked up immediately and saw him not more than twice the length of this court room from me. I felt shocked and disappointed. Everybody had gathered together to pay their respects, people form different generations - and some idiot comes and ruins it.

"He carried on walking past through the crowd of people and off up the road.

" Everybody was looking up and you could read people's faces there were a lot of looks of disapproval.

"No-one said anything because of the two minutes but you could see it on their faces.

Karen Lisle, another witness said: "In a two minutes silence it was very loud. He sang 'I shot the sheriff but I didn't shoot the deputy' twice by my recollection. I was disgusted because my husband is ex armed forces, so I was upset."

Convicting Wood of the act of public disorder, in his absence, presiding magistrate Richard Thomas, said: "There was a broad mix of the public at the ceremony which is one that is very dear for many people in this country. It is likely that the actions of Mr Wood did cause distress to the people there that day so we find him guilty.

"I will issue a warrant for his arrest and when he appears before this court he will be sentenced."