Police repeatedly swore as they arrested popular Sydney sandwich board activist Danny Lim over his allegedly offensive sign, body camera footage shows.
The footage was played on Wednesday in Downing Centre Local Court, where Mr Lim is challenging a $500 fine for offensive behaviour.
In it, police officers can be heard saying "that's f***ing pathetic", "bulls***" and "I don't give a s***".
Sydney activist Danny Lim with supporters earlier this year.
AAP
The sign that sparked the 75-year-old's arrest read: "SMILE CVN'T! WHY CVN'T?"
Mr Lim was captured on video crying out for help after three officers took his sign, restraining him with handcuffs that left his wrists bruised and bleeding when he attempted to take it back.
He was charged and handed a $500 fine.
In court on Wednesday, Mr Lim's lawyer Bryan Wrench challenged the three officers present at the incident in Barangaroo on 11 January over their own language while arresting his client and whether the sign was in fact offensive.
Ypd707i5_normal.jpegCat@CatCranston Sydney's Danny Lim, and yes his little dog was tucked in behind the sign in his backpack#Sydney #people EBMjhC2UYAIuSrk?format=jpg&name=small 7:27 PM - Aug 5, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy
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Only one person, a woman who worked in the area, called the police to say she was offended by the sign, the court heard.
Senior Constable Tufan Salman said he thought the sign contained the "c" word and believed it to be offensive.
"I can't even say it," he told the court, but agreed it was a "play on words".
Mr Lim's lawyer Bryan Wrench pointed to a photo of popular fashion label FCUK.
Video of the arrest showed Constable Ashleigh Hodge telling Mr Lim that while she "didn't give a s***" about the sign he still needed to take it off. In court, she said she did find the sign "offensive".
The protesters outside Sydney City Police Area Command.
AAP
