A serial offender who spat on a police officer has been freed after a sheriff decided jail "doesn't really work" for him.
Robert Whitehill also subjected a police officer to racist abuse outside East Kilbride police station.
Whitehill, 24, a prisoner, was handed a one-year supervision order at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted racially-aggravated assaults on the officer on October 21.
Chloe O'Hara, prosecuting, said officers came across Whitehill in the police station car park around 10.20pm.
He said he had an alcohol addiction and had been at hospital earlier.
The officers were concerned for his welfare and said they would take him back to hospital to be checked over.
Ms O'Hara told the court: "Whitehill was placed in the rear of the police vehicle, but suddenly became aggressive, saying he didn't want to go to the hospital.
"He made attempts to open the door and get out, and the officers tried to calm him down.
"The accused then turned towards an officer and spat at him. It landed on his arm.
"He then tried to headbutt him, but the officer managed to evade this.
"During this time the accused called the officer a black bas***d."
Defence agent Andy Thomson said Whitehill "has struggled with addiction and has underlying mental health issues".
He had been held in custody since his arrest in October.
Mr Thomson suggested the court could "take a chance" and impose social work supervision instead of more jail time.
The lawyer added: "He is desperate for help and some structure in his life."
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre noted that Whitehill has served a number of short prison sentences in recent years.
He told the accused: "This is serious as the police officers were going about their important duties and they don't deserve to be subjected to this vile treatment.
"You must seek help with your addiction issues and I'll give you an opportunity you don't seem to have had in the last five years.
"I have come to the view that prison doesn't really work as you are still coming back to court.
"I have my doubts about supervision and I hope you won't let me down.
"If you mess the social workers around you'll go back to prison."
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