Spared jail after challenging cops

Pepper spray needed to control drunken thug

A Stirling man has avoided jail after trying to assault police officers.

Michael Mann (31), from Campbell Court in Stirling, appeared from custody at the city’s Sheriff Court last Wednesday on two assault charges and for behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, shouting, swearing, making threats and challenging officers to a fight.

Mann flew into a fit of rage at a property in Campbell Court on March 12 this year after spending time at a pub.

Fiscal depute Adrian Fraser told the court: “The background here is that the accused had been out and returned home sometime after 2.30pm. He had been watching football at a nearby pub.”

It was noted that Mann appeared drunk and was acting aggressively.

Mr Fraser added: “He was following one of the witnesses about the house shouting and swearing.

“His mother said that if he didn’t leave she would have to call the police.”

Mann then said ‘I’m ready to rumble. They better take more than four of them with them’.

Mann was in the kitchen of the property with his mother when police arrived.

He then began squaring up to officers and swearing at them.

Police approached Mann to try and apprehend him and he attempted to punch one constable before attempting to also punch a second officer.

Officers finally managed to detain Mann by using ‘pepper spray,’ leg restraints and handcuffs. As they led him out of the house he continued to shout and swear.

Mann then told police “I’m sorry. I’m stupid”.

Defence solicitor Harry Couchlin said: “He was in a state of considerable depression. He asks your lordship to consider that he may still be suitable for a community payback order.”

Sheriff Christopher Shead opted to place Mann on a CPO that will include 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 months supervision.

Sheriff Shead said: “If you fail to do so you can be brought back to court and re-sentenced for this offence.”