A swearing man was challenged by police and told them: "Do something better - like dealing with knife crime."
Daniel Bentley's comment was reported at Nottingham Magistrates' Court when he admitted committing disorderly behaviour on Clumber Street on April 17.
He was given a six-month conditional discharge but must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 government surcharge.
Stephen Flint, prosecuting, said police officers noticed "a noisy group" at around 3.15am.
Bentley, 28, was swearing and then shouted abuse about the police. He could be heard by passers-by.
He smelt of alcohol and was arrested, prompting him to make the comment about knife crime.
Mr Flint added: "He was drunk. He had drank cider and shots and didn't know why he shouted at the police."
Bentley of Oxclose Lane, Arnold, said he had been working and went into the city where he met his partner and had some drinks.
District Judge Leo Pyle, who sentenced Bentley, studied papers from the case and said: "It looks like he spent hours in a cell."
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