Vile threats land thug a prison term

A disgusting, drunken yob who threatened to “slash” and “rape” Coat bridge police officers has been jailed for five months.

Andrew Kelter, 29, also tried to headbutt a male cop on the head and body in a police car enroute to Coatbridge police office.

The heavily intoxicated lout had earlier been arrested in his home town of Cumbernauld for verbally abusing constables who went to check on his wellbeing.

The disturbing incident took place on May 19 and Kelter pleaded guilty at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

During Kelter’s return for sentencing last week, the procurator fiscal told the court: “It was 9.20pm and police on mobile patrol saw the accused staggering and stumbling along the pavement. Officers checked on him and he appeared to be intoxicated.

“He then looked into the police vehicle and began shouting: ‘What the f*** are you looking at?’

“Officers got out of the car and the accused continued his abusive and aggressive conduct, saying: ‘I’ll f****** batter you’ and ‘I could take you both’.

“While being transported to Coatbridge police office, he continued to be abusive, stating he would‘ slash’ them ,‘ murder and do you both in ’and ‘how do you sleep at night? I know where you live, I’m going to rape you’.

“He leaned back and threw his weight against the door of the police car, causing his body and head to go towards the officer in an attempt to headbutt him. He missed him and landed on his lap.”

Defence solicitor John McGeechan laid the blame firmly on alcohol abuse for his client’s behaviour, saying in mitigation: “There has been a similar pattern to his previous convictions – taking too much to drink.

“He has been in and out of custody but has made attempts to stop his addiction.”

Sheriff Morag Galbraith felt she had no alternative but to send Kelter to jail, saying: “You are in quite a predicament and it’s all down to alcohol abuse.

“I will sentence you to five months in prison, reduced from eight.”