Teen who spat at police warned

A Dunfermline teenager who spat on two police officers after being detained after a night out has been warned he is close to receiving a custodial sentence.

Taylor Cockerill, 18, of Campbell Street, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court. He admitted that on February 17, on Campbell Street, Dunfermline, he assaulted, obstructed or hindered a police constable by struggling with him and spat on his face.

He also admitted that on the same day, at Dunfermline police station, he assaulted a police sergeant by spitting on his body.

Defence solicitor Peter Robertson said his client had been on a night out prior to the offence taking place.

An ambulance had been called when he got home and then the police were also contacted, which led to the charges libelled.

The court was told Cockerill is already serving a community payback order for a previous offence but is not currently carrying out his unpaid work.

Underlining the importance of Cockerill demonstrating good behaviour, Sheriff Chris Shead told him: “These are serious offences. It’s only because of your young age I’m prepared to admit you to bail.

“The court can’t continue to extend this opportunity and I want you to be crystal clear about that. You are in a very serious situation now.”

The sheriff called for reports and Cockerill will be sentenced on March 14.