A MAN who repeatedly lay down in front of traffic at a major city centre junction has appeared before York magistrates.

Robert Lowiecki, 38, caused problems at the crossroads where Museum Street, St Leonard’s Place, Blake Street and Duncombe Place meet on May 28, said Cathy Turnbull, prosecuting.

Police officers caught in the traffic queue moved him away and “gave him some advice”, she said.

But he returned to the middle of the road, dropped to his knees and forced a taxi to stop.

Again the officers moved him away.

“They tried to engage him in conversation, but he refused to engage and simply replied ‘69’,” she said.

Concerned that he would injure himself or a member of the public, police arrested him.

Lowiecki, who gave his address as Fetters Lane, off Micklegate, York, pleaded guilty to obstructing the highway.

He was fined £120 with a £30 statutory surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

When magistrates asked him why he had done it, he replied: “Fifty-six”.

On hearing the sentence he said: “At the moment I have no income.”