Police attack man jailed

A repeat offender who struggled violently with police officers on Shetland has been jailed.

Nathan Hilditch, of Lerwick’s Ladies Drive, had previously pleaded guilty to a string of offences that occurred in the early hours of September 4.

The 21-year-old admitted three charges of assault, including biting onepolice officer, knocking one officer to the ground, injuring his leg, and attempting to scratch another.

Procurator Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday that Hilditch’s behaviour was “attention seeking” and had been carried out after he had been drinking.

He phoned the police via the 999 number while drunk at around 3.50am threatening to harm himself.

This prompted police to search for him, but 45

“Found Hilditch at cliff edge intoxicated and unsteady”

minutes later he revealed he was at the Knab in Lerwick.

Police found Hilditch at the cliff edge “intoxicated” and “unsteady” on his feet.

He had to be handcuffed and restrained by two police officers, but after agreeing to comply, he dropped his entire body weight.

This caused a policeman to fall and tear muscles in his leg.

Hilditchb egan kicking another officer beforehe was carried away, and then bit one officer on his hand.

Sheriff Philip Mann said he had cut Hilditch “some slack” in the past as he was “sympathetic” to young people, especially those who have fallen foul of the “demon” drink.

But the sheriff added he had “no confidence” Hilditch would comply with a community payback order and jailed him for eight months.