Sheriff raps yob who tried to attack custody officer at court

Attack took place after prisoner asked to use toilets

A strung- out yob who attempted to attack a custody officer at Paisley Sheriff Court has been hammered with a hefty fine.

Addict David Stevenson, 25, was rattling for his pills when he suddenly lunged at prisoner officer Graham Westwater, who was only trying to take him to the toilet.

The stroppy lout raised his arms at the officer who feared he was coming under attack, in the cells beneath the court.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard the accused had to be restrained and taken to the floor during the disturbance which took place in the presence of other prisoners.

Fiscal depute Frank Clarke told the court Stevenson was in his cell and had asked to use the toilets when he suddenly kicked off at the custody officers.

He said: “The accused was asked to wait – and took exception to this. The cell door was left open for another prisoner to enter.

“He was requesting to exit the cell but the officers were unable to take him as they were dealing with another prisoner.

“When leaving the cell the accused raised his arms up in the direction of Mr Westwater.

“Both officers, Mr Westwater and his colleague, believed an assault was about to take place.

“His arms were taken hold of and he was taken to the ground.

“He was not cautioned and charged at the time.”

This week Stevenson formally of Waverley Road in the town’s Foxbar area, but now living at an address in Clydebank, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Graham Westwater on September 12 2016, in the course of his employment as a prison officer and did attempt to strike him on the head and body.

He also admitted carrying out the offence after having been granted bail.

However, defence agent Terry Gallanagh explained Stevenson’s patience snapped after being banged up in the cells overnight.

He said: “He had been in custody overnight and had been deprived of his medication for his addiction and for his mental health difficulties.

“He had not received either medication and his health was affected by the withdrawal symptoms within his body.

“He wasn’t thinking straight and he humbly apologises to the complainers for his conduct.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney tore a strip off the lout for his behaviour.

He said: “Any offence of violence directed towards officers carrying out their duties is a matter the court takes seriously.

“Because of the gravity of the offence and your record of previous convictions I will deal with the matter by way of monetary penalty as a direct alternative to custody.

“Therefore if you don’t pay the fine, you will go to prison.”

He fined Stevenson £ 500, reduced from £ 600 because of his admission of guilt.

I will deal with the matter by way of monetary penalty as a direct alternative to custody Sheriff Tom McCartney