Lout abused cops as party broken up

POLICE were abused by a drunken lout when they broke up an illegal earlymorning party.

James Savery was fined after threatening police with violence on Huntly Road in Craigie.

Officers were investigating reports of an assault in the street and forced their way into the property after repeatedly knocking on the door.

They found multiple partygoers, including Savery, under the influence at around 5.30am.

Dundee Sheriff Court was told a member of the public had phoned the police to report a man lying unconscious on the street.

Fiscal depute Gavin Burton said: “Officers made inquiries and there was no response to knocking.

“Entry was forced and upon entering, numerous persons – including the accused – were within and under the influence.

“The accused then approached a police officer and called him a ‘beast’.”

Mr Burton added: “Given there was a potential breach of Covid regulations, the accused was asked to provide his details which he refused to do.

“He continued to shout and swear at police stating ‘ **** off, I’ll ******* take you’”

Savery was arrested and placed in a police van but continued with his expletive-laden tirade during the journey to police headquarters on West Bell Street.

He threatened to knock an officer’s teeth out, as well as saying: “I’m going to smash you. I’ll remember your face.”

The thug also kicked out at officers as they attempted to search him in the cell area.

Savery, of Pitalpin Court, pleaded guilty from custody to shouting, swearing, acting aggressively, making abusive remarks, threatening violence, failing to provide his details and repeatedly kicking out with both legs on Tuesday.

Ross Donnelly, defending, said Savery remembered little about the episode due to his state of intoxication.

“It was utterly unacceptable and a huge overreaction to police inquiries that had nothing to do with him,” he told Sheriff Alison Michie.

“He is regretful for that. It seems the excessive consumption of alcohol has gotten the better of him.”

Fining Savery £300, Sheriff Michie said: “This was a particularly unpleasant and unnecessary incident.

“However, your last conviction was five years ago and I am prepared to accept this was a one-off incident.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers were called to Huntly Road, Dundee, at around 5.20am on Tuesday, on a non-Covid matter.

“Subsequently, after speaking to a number of people, five fixed penalty notices were issued in relation to the regulations.

“We continue to ask people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance.

“We will use enforcement as a last resort where there is a clear breach of the legislation.”

Police were granted new powers on August 28 to deal with incidents which contravene social gathering rules.

According to data issued by Police Scotland, officers have been called out nearly 5,000 times across Scotland to break up illegal parties.