Sozzled man told cops he’d murder them after they tried to help him

Sheriff brands behaviour towards officers ‘disgraceful’

A troubled Paisley man threatened to kill police officers when they visited his home to assist with his mental health difficulties.

Alexander Wilson, 40 phoned police and NHS24 begging for help for his suicidal thoughts.

But when officers attended at his Caledonia Street on Christmas Eve 2020 and on July 1 last year, he assaulted them and subjected them to vile verbal abuse.

Procurator fiscal depute Amber Feeney told Paisley Sheriff Court how officers attended Wilson’s property on December 24, 2020 after he called them.

Ms Feeney explained: “Around 9.10pm, the accused contacted the police stating he was struggling with his mental health and wanted a referral.

“He explained he was striking his head of the wall as a means of self harming.

“He confirmed he was within his home and had consumed a bottle of cider and two bottles of tonic wine and that he intended to leave his home and throw himself off a bridge once he was off the phone.

“Police attended and they saw Wilson holding and drinking from a bottle of tonic wine and he was still on the phone to the contact centre.

“Officers tried to speak with the accused and he became hostile and shouted, ‘What the f**k are yous all doing in my house’.

“He continued to shout and swear and began punching his head repeatedly.

“Wilson was handcuffed and he stated, ‘Yous have f ***** g handcuffed me for nothing, I’ve done nothing wrong’.

“Officers asked him to stop shouting and he turned his head towards the officer and began to spray saliva, which struck the officer’s face and glasses.

“Wilson was placed in a cell van and taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital and not formally cautioned and charged due to his level of intoxication and aggressive hostile demeanour.”

Ms Feeney told how Wilson contacted NHS24 on July 1, last year, stating he had suicidal thoughts before going on to subject cops to a catalogue of verbal abuse.

Ms Feeney explained: “Around midnight, officers gained entry at the accused’s home address after he had made a call to NHS24.

“Upon identifying themselves as police, the accused became hostile and told them, ‘F**k off, I didn’t phone for you muppets to come’.

“At this point, he was standing in the living room holding a bottle of tonic wine above his head with the intention to use it as a weapon.

“He was asked to release the bottle and he stated, ‘Mon then’ and ‘My dog will f**k you up.’”

The court heard Wilson was arrested and he punched PC Robert’s face.

Ms Feeney added: “Wilson continued to shout, ‘You get these handcuffs off and I’ll f ***** g kill yous. you’ve crossed a line d**k,

I’m f ***** g killing you, you’re a wee a ****** e, you’re finished’.

“And he carried on with comments such as, ‘p***o,’ ‘beasts’ and ‘f ***** g bacon piggy c***s.’

“He made no reply to caution and charge.”

Defence solicitor Anthony Callaghan told the court Wilson has a “very serious outstanding problem” and that he was awaiting a position at a residential rehab to address these problems.

Sentencing, Sheriff Lindsay Kooner said: “Your behaviour can be described as disgraceful.”

Sheriff Kooner made Wilson subject to supervision for 15 months as a “direct alternative to custody”. A review hearing was fixed for August 26.