Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Again, Section 5 of the Public Order Act "Harassment, alarm or distress" makes no mention of "intent".

Additionally it is not a defence for a defendant to "state" that he or she had "no reason to believe that someone is likely to be caused harassment,alarm or distress" the defence requires the defendant to prove that to be the case.

"(3)It is a defence for the accused to prove"

As such the opinion of the defendant as to whether his / her statements were insulting or causing distress - whether directed at an individual or not - is irrelevant.