Man avoids prison after abusing cops

AMAN made homophobic remarks towards a cop before going on to bite another during a disturbance in a hospital.

Stephen Tarburn, from Springburn, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to two separate matters.

The court heard that at 11pm on February 12, police officers noticed the 35-year-old staggering along the street.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “It was noted that his clothing was wet and not suitable for the weather conditions – it was snowing heavily.

“Officers stopped him to ensure he was safe and well. He became verbally abusive towards them.

“He said ‘ya bunch of f **** ng dafties, f**k off’, ‘what you looking at ya specky b ***** d’, ‘f**k you all you f ***** g w ***** s’.

“He failed to desist when asked. Officers arrested him and took him to the police station. He was placed in a cell.

“Within the cell he stated to an officer, ‘you’re here only to see me ya p**f’.”

During another incident on February 23 at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Tarburn was charged with biting a police officer.

The court heard: “The accused was within the accident and emergency department. He began to shout and swear, causing fear and alarm to patients and staff.

“Security were contacted and as they approached the accused, he shouted ‘I’m going to smash you ginger b ***** d’.

“He continued to shout and swear at hospital staff. A police witness was dealing with another matter within the hospital and assisted. While putting handcuffs on him, the accused bit the officer on the right arm, leaving a mark.”

The procurator fiscal went on to say: “Although he did bite, the skin was not broken. The police officer did not require medical treatment.

“The accused continued shouting verbal abuse despite repeatedly being asked to desist. He was cautioned and charged to which he made no reply.”

Tarburn’s lawyer said his client’s recollection of both events are poor due to his alcohol intake at the time.

He added: “He has had several mental health breakdowns; he was in high paid employment but that came to an end in March. That didn’t help matters and he embarked on an alcohol binge.

“I invite the court to consider a community-based disposal. This is his first appearance in custody, and it has had an incredible effect on him.

“His behaviour was out of character.

“He would be willing to undergo any communitybased disposal.”

Sheriff Mary Shields referred Tarburn to the alcohol court and said: “If you engage with that court that would be of benefit to yourself, your family and the wider society. If you don’t, the court will sentence you on each of the complaints.”