Spared jail for face spit incident

A Coatbridge patient who assaulted health workers trying to help him has been ordered to pay them both compensation.

Robert Mcluckie spat in a paramedic’s face in his home town’s Calder Street, and then grabbed a nurse by the throat in Monklands Hospital.

Mcluckie, of Auldhame Street, admitted the assaults when he appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

The 53-year-old also admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner in an ambulance and at the hospital on the same date, May 2 last year.

The court heard he shouted, acted aggressively and lashed out with his arms and legs.

His lawyer said Mcluckie has mental health issues and also a problem with“binge drinking”.

The solicitor added: “He expresses remorse and understands this was an unpleasant experience for those trying to assist him.”

Mcluckie is currently serving an eight-month prison sentence for breaching a community payback order imposed for a domestic offence. He is due to be released in August.

Mcluckie was relieved to hear he won’t have to serve any further time behind bars as another community payback order was handed down for the latest charges.

Sheriff Joseph Hughes told him:“this was horrendous behaviour on your part, but I’m not convinced you are a waste of space.

“There is goodness in you and I’ll give you a chance.”

Mcluckie was ordered to pay the paramedic and nurse £300 each and placed under supervision for 30 months.

He must also carry out 260 hours of unpaid community work.

The sheriff imposed an eight-month electronic tagging order that will take effect when he is freed from prison.

It will prevent Mcluckie from leaving the house between 7pm and 7am each day.