Tried to avoid AA meetings disposal

An alcoholic from Coatbridge attempted to evade a disposal involving compulsory AA meetings by saying he didn’t want to“sit and listen”to other people’s problems.

Ralph Templeton, 56, foolishly got involved in an altercation with police officers when they were arresting his pal on Coatbridge Main Street on July 26.

The Jackson Court resident, who eventually invited cops to arrest him during his tirade, was warned repeatedly before the officers lost their patience.

Templeton appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, when the procurator fiscal explained:“At 4.30pm, the police were dealing with an incident when the accused interfered.

“He told officers,‘this is a f****** joke, you’re not lifting him’.

“He began to challenge them and was waving his arms.

“The accused was warned repeatedly and then said to officers,‘lift me then’.

“He was taken to the police office where he continued to shout and swear”.

Speaking on his client’s behalf, Templeton’s defence solicitor, Paul Belardo, said: “He was in the company of two friends and police were trying to exercise a warrant when he decided to put his tuppence worth in.

“He’s alcohol-dependent and was under the influence at the time.”

Sheriff Scott Pattison told Templeton:“AA can turn folks’ lives right around, but it needs heart and commitment – have you ever tried it?

Templeton replied:“I’ve got enough problems of my own without having to sit and listen to someone else’s.”

Sheriff Pattison then ruled: “Well, I’m placing you under supervision for 18 months and attending AA is a conduct requirement for that.

“This is an alternative to custody.”