No prison for thug who threatened to ‘slash’ officers

ATHUG who told police officers that he would “slash their faces off” has avoided jail. James Stewart appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday.

During an incident on February 22, 2020, the 26-yearold threatened to stab police before biting an officer at his address in Shannon Street.

The court was told: “At quarter to 10 in the morning, police witnesses attended following a report of a disturbance.

“Upon entering the common close, police were confronted by the accused. He shouted towards officers ‘f ***** g come at me then’, ‘I’ll f ***** g slash the faces right off you’.

“He continued: ‘I’ll f ***** g stab you if you touch me.’

“Police witnesses asked the accused to calm down, however, he continued shouting, with his arms raised in a challenging way.

“Police officers arrested the accused and there was a struggle during this. The accused bit the right hand of a police officer. There was no injury. He then made attempts to headbutt the other police officer but there was no contact made. Eventually, the accused was restrained and arrested.”

Stewart’s lawyer said his client accepted all responsibility and admitted that he was under the influence of Valium at the time but has now stopped taking the drug and has reduced his alcohol intake.

The sheriff told Stewart: “I will deal with this matter with a restriction of liberty order as a direct alternative to custody.”

An electronic tag will be fitted to Stewart and he will have to stay within his home address between 7.30pm and 6am every day, for 100 days.