Shame faced teen brawled with cops

He’s shown mercy after apologising

A foul- mouthed yob who brawled with cops called out to a disturbance at his home, has been shown mercy by a sheriff.

Boozed-up Rian Patterson lost the plot with police officers attending a domestic incident involving his partner Linda Higgins.

The teenager headbutted, punched, swore at and made threats towards two constables who attended the house Dimity Street, Johnstone, amid concerns for Miss Higgins’ welfare.

The 19-year-old appeared for sentence at Paisley Sheriff Court this week after the court had obtained background reports in preparation for his sentence.

Defence agent James Arrol said: “He is a first offender and analysis of the report shows he did not plan to behave in the manner outlined.

“He is deeply embarrassed by his actions. He accepts his behaviour was unacceptable. He recognises the impact this has had on his partner, and has apologised to her, and to his neighbours, and he would have liked the opportunity to apologise to the police officers involved.

“He had simply consumed too much alcohol and is surprised he got involved in this kind of offending behaviour. He has a young son with his partner and he enjoys the support of his family.”

The lawyer added the incident on on March 5 was a “blip” in his client’s other wise trouble- free past and urged the court to consider a community-based disposal for what was a “serious matter.”

Patterson of Maple drive was convicted of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm in that he repeatedly shouted, swore and utter threats and caused a breach of the peace.

He also admitted assaulting two police officers in the execution of their duty by repeatedly punching them on the body and striking them with his head.

Sheriff Tom McCartney agreed with the lawyer as to the serious nature of the charges, but said he was persuaded to give the teenager a chance.

He said: “Having listened to what has been said and to your absence of previous convictions, I am prepared to deal with this by imposing a Community Payback Order requiring you to perform unpaid work.”

Patterson was given three months to do 100 hours unpaid work for the benefit of the community.