A police officer accused of lying about a Milford Haven man told a jury today he considered him to be a police hater.

David Norman said he thought Richard Roberts “had a problem with the police.”

Norman, aged 52, is on trial at Swansea crown court accused of doing an act tending to pervert the course of justice.

The jury has heard how Norman and other officers were called to Wentworth Close, Hubberston, on January 21 last year when Mr Roberts and his immediate neighbour Tony Craig and members of their families were involved in a row.

Norman later made a statement claiming Mr Roberts had been “extremely abusive” and listed a string of swear words he alleged Mr Roberts had used.

But a CCTV camera system at Mr Roberts’ home had recorded the incident and the words spoken.

Mr Norman today gave evidence on his behalf and said he accepted that his statement had been “wrong” but said he had honestly written down the words he thought he had heard.

“I did a bad job. My statement was inadequate to say the least. I misremembered what had happened.

“I realise now that I was having a bad day,” he said.

Cross examined by John Hipkin, the barrister leading the prosecution, Norman denied “having it in” for Mr Roberts.

“I believe he has a problem with the police. I have spoken to him on many occasions and that is the impression I have.

“I believe I was even handed between the Roberts and the Craigs,” he added.

Mr Norman said he was off work for a few days following the incident and on his return was told there was a discrepancy between his statement and the CCTV recording.

He said he was “really surprised” to listen to the recording and not to hear the swear words he believed Mr Roberts had used.

The trial continues and a verdict is expected tomorrow (Thursday).