A PIRATE radio DJ labelled his suspended prison sentence “a joke” and told a judge it was an “atrocity” before storming out of court in a rage.

Terry Gowan slouched in the dock and told Judge Samantha Cohen to “carry on darling” during his sentencing hearing after admitting being a part of an illegal radio station.

The 40-year-old of Davis Road, Grays had been due to stand trial at Basildon Crown Court for installing and using wireless receiving apparatus without a licence from Ofcom, which regulates broadcasting material.

Gowan had been a DJ for the pirate radio station, called Cyndicate FM, which was operating out of a studio inside a container in Askew Farm Lane in Grays, and broadcasting music across Essex and Kent.

The studio was raided following reports by Ofcom on June 21, 2018, where the radio equipment was seized.

Gowan changed his plea to guilty on the day of trial to the single count.

The court heard that messages had been sent by Gowan to contacts following the search of the container, and his address, which showed that despite not running the station, he was aware the activity was illegal and was intending to try and start up again.

READ MORE:

Mitigation for Gowan said he “never made a penny” from DJing between Decembeer 2017 and June 2018, and that the station was “not for profit”.

The court also heard Gowan had suffered with his mental health over the years, and that he felt he had been brought to court “for playing music”.

Gowan kept interrupting the proceedings, shouting out swear words, speaking over his barrister and the judge.

At one point, Judge Cohen told him: “Saying ‘carry on darling’ to a judge is perhaps not a good idea.”

Gowan responded that he had “had enough”.

In her sentencing, Judge Cohen said: “The evidence demonstrates you were aware it was unlawful and you were prepared to start up again immediately.”

Gowan received 14 weeks prison suspended for 18 months and must pay £400 in costs.

After being released from the dock, Gowan stormed up to Judge Cohen and said “what has happened here is an atrocity” handing her a letter.

He then left the court room saying “absolute f******, the lot of you”.