Yob’s violent threats then spat at police officer

A thug who tried to spit in a cop’s face during the height of Covid and threatened to stick a pen in his eye is facing jail.

William Rae, 36, was arrested after arguing with his former partner, and brandishing a bottle from a recycling box at him, as if to strike him.

Rae’s ex-partner was unhurt in the incident in Tillicoultry, Clacks, but Rae began striking his own head in a police van on the way to Falkirk Police Station.

Rae then claimed to have swallowed up to 100 Valium tablets, and was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for assessment by medical staff.

Stirling Sheriff Court was told yesterday (Tuesday) that once at the hospital, his behaviour

“escalated” and he repeatedly made threats of violence and sexual violence towards two male constables who were guarding him.

He told one cop, “I’ll stick a pen in your eye and I’ll slash your face. “I’ll get you raped.”

He then spat towards one PC. Prosecutor Cheryl Clark said: “He intended for it to hit the PC, but it didn’t make contact.”

Rae then continued to rant at him and the other officer, saying, “I’ve got nothing to lose, I’ll murder you in a minute. I’ll lie about you and I’ll have your jobs - watch what I do.”

After he was seen by medical staff he was passed fit to be returned to police cells, and was cautioned and charged.

Rae, of Alva, also Clacks, who appeared by video link, pleaded guilty to assault and statutory breach of the peace.

The incident began about 2.30pm on November 23 last year

Sheriff Richard McFarlane deferred sentence until April 13 for a social background report and a restriction of liberty order assessment, and continued Rae’s remand in the meantime.

Defence solicitor Kelly Howe reserved mitigation.