A drunk Paisley dad “lost his temper” and spat at a police officer during the pandemic.
James Graham, 39, saw red when cops questioned him about an incident that happened in the street he lived in.
Graham appeared at the town’s court via video link on Friday and admitted assaulting PC James Rennie by spitting on him on December 21 last year at a property in Thrushcraigs Crescent.
Foul-mouthed Graham also shouted, swore, made threats and challenged cops to a fight.
Prosecutor David McDonald told Paisley Sheriff Court that police received a report around 10.40pm on December 21 regarding a disturbance.
When cops arrived at the street, Graham was standing in a garden shouting.
Mr McDonald explained: “Officers spoke with the accused regarding the incident that had been reported to them, at which time he became abusive.
“He was stating, ‘Get the f**k off my property’ and ‘I’ll f*****g do yous.’
“Officers tried to explain their attendance and the accused refused to engage and paced around the garden, constantly telling officers ‘F**k off’ and ‘Come and have a square go. I’ll do yous.’
“Graham then ran into the property and stated 'See how you f*****g deal with this’ and locked the door behind him.
“From inside the house he continued to shout and swear stating, ‘F*****g come on then.’
“Due to Graham’s behaviour, two officers entered the property to restrain him.
“Graham was restrained and taken to the garden, where handcuffs were applied due to his demeanour.
“He then turned his head and spat saliva at PC Rennie, with it landing on his right leg.
“A spit hood was applied and he was taken to a local police station where he was held in custody to appear at this court the next lawful day.”
Terry Gallanagh, defence solicitor, told the court Graham “regrets his conduct.”
Mr Gallanagh added: “There had been an incident in the street and Mr Graham and his partner went out to see what had happened.
“The police attended and he accepts he may have been speaking loudly due to being intoxicated.
“He accepts he was obstructive and understands that spitting on any occasion has no justification, particularly in times of covid and he regrets that deeply.
“He can only put this down to being intoxicated and losing his temper.”
Sheriff Tom McCartney imposed a total prison sentence of 15 months backdating this to December 21, when Graham was remanded.
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