Man squared up to doctor and assaulted two police officers

A man who squared up to a junior doctor, spat on a police van and assaulted two officers has been ordered to carry out 270 hours’ unpaid work.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how Christopher Graham, 28, of Airdrie, had been taken to the accident and emergency department of Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) to be treated for a cut to his right eye.

However, he was taken into custody after swearing at nursing staff and squaring up “face-toface” with a junior doctor.

Depute Fiscal Robbie Brown told the court Graham had been taken to the hospital at around 7am.

“The accused became aggressive towards nursing staff and swore at them,” he said.

“He squared up to a male junior doctor.”

Mr Brown said Graham was then handcuffed by police officers but on his way to a police van he proceeded to spit on the vehicle.

“The accused then kicked an officer on the thigh. He was conveyed to Perth Police HQ but punched another officer on the head at the charge-bar.”

Graham’s solicitor said his client had an “ongoing” problem with cannabis, but had showed “empathy” for the emergency staff.

Graham had admitted that on May 21 at the A&E department of PRI, he acted in an aggressive manner towards a female nurse and a male junior doctor by swearing and making derogatory remarks at them.

He also admitted that he spat on a police vehicle, struck a police officer, attempted to exit the vehicle and struggled violently with officers in the car park of A&E.

Graham pled guilty to a further charge that he punched a police officer on the head at Perth Police HQ.

Sentencing Graham, Sheriff Gillian Wade told him: “It’s a very serious matter to assault police officers and nursing staff.”