Fined for town centre fracas

A 35-year-old who kicked off in East Kilbride town centre has been hit in the pocket.

Christopher Copeland, 35, of Loch Shin in St Leonards appeared for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

He previously admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Cornwall Way and en route to Cathcart police station on February 17 this year.

Copeland repeatedly shouted and swore, made offensive remarks, gesticulated and refused to desist when requested to do so.

His defence lawyer told the court a report had been positive and that social work deemed there not to be any need for further intervention.

He added that this had been a“one off”incident at a time when Copeland seemed to be“getting his act together” and he had been drinking in the town centre and got into trouble with the police.

Sheriff Vincent Smith told Copeland the starting point would have been a custodial sentence but given his plea and positive report he would instead fine him £180.