Dealer struggled violently with cops as they arrested him

Court hears accused had a record for selling cocaine

A convicted drug dealer who brawled with cops who were making an arrest, could be facing a jail stretch.

Mark Forrest who has a record for selling cocaine, was rumbled by officers at Northcroft Street in the town, on June 27.

The 43-year-old, of McKerrell Street, appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of resisting arrest and obstructing and hindering police constables in the execution of their duty.

Fiscal depute Colin Wilson who accepted his admission of guilt on behalf of the Crown, told the court: “There is a schedule of previous convictions in respect of the accused.”

Forrest admitted charges of struggling violently with constables by lashing out with his arms and legs when officers were detaining him.

However, his not guilty plea to obstructing cops, uttering threats and tensing his body, during a drugs search was accepted by the prosecutors.

Defence agent Jonathan Manson said: “In respect of the accused, he has a record of convictions involving the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“His last significant conviction was in March 2016, and later a breach of a Community Payback Order.

“Your Lordship may benefit from seeing an updated report in preparation of disposal of this matter.”

Before, Forrest was convicted of dealing cocaine in March 2015, following a drugs bust at his flat in the town’s Ferguslie Park district.

Officers acting on a warrant discovered a hoard of the class A drug with a street value of almost £ 1,000 stashed behind the waste pipe in his bathroom.

Yesterday Sheriff James Spy deferred sentence for four weeks to obtain background reports in preparation for sentencing.

The accused was released on bail and ordered to appear at court next month, when he will discover his fate.