Driver forced cop to jump out of way

Sprayed and handcuffed in struggle with officers

A police constable had to jump clear of a car on a country road near Auchterarder.

And as officers tried to arrest 56-yearold Alistair McLean he had to be subdued with spray.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that he clung to the seatbelt strap and door frame of his car to prevent them applying handcuffs.

They were afraid he he was going to break free from the officers and make off on to the road, where he could have caused serious injury to himself or others.

The spray allowed two officers to apply handcuffs but because he continued to struggle leg restraints had to be used to help get him into a police van.

McLean, of Fletcher Place, Crieff, escaped punishment after the court was told he had stayed out of further trouble for the past six months.

He admitted that on August 6 last year, on the unclassified road between the A9 and the road to Kinkell Bridge, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner, shouted and swore and struggled violently with PCs Jason Salisbury and Vicky Taylor.

He also moved his car towards PC Salisbury, causing him to take evasive action.

The court was told that McLean had contacted Murray Royal Hospital earlier that evening, saying he had taken an overdose of Valium. An ambulance was called and police were also alerted.

The constables were told he had left the car “somewhere along the roadside”.

It was traced and PC Taylor pulled up in front of it after recognising the accused sitting in the driving seat.

McLean then reversed away from the marked police vehicle and it “looked like he would make off”, the court was told

As the officer walked towards the car McLean moved his vehicle forward, causing him to jump out of the way.

The constable then shouted twice at him to stop before he managed to grab the accused’s arm while the car was still in motion.

The ignition was switched off and the vehicle came to a halt but officers had difficulty removing him from the vehicle.

He was eventually taken to the ground on the roadside verge but continued to struggle, kicking his legs out and refusing to release his arms.

Solicitor Cliff Culley said McLean’s behaviour was triggered by him coming off medication.

“He accepts police shouldn’t have to put up with that sort of behaviour,” the agent said

After considering a number of testimonials submitted on the accused’s behalf, Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence for six months.

When Mclean appeared for sentence last week he was admonished.