Yob grabbed his terrified mum by the throat and hit cop with hammer

A Coatbridge thug threatened his mum with a knife and went on to hit a police officer with a hammer and attack two men with a broken bottle.

Sam Mctaggart, 20, was locked up for 34 months at Airdrie Sheriff Court for his violent crimes.

He admitted assaulting his mum at her Coatbridge home, and two police officers who subsequently tried to arrest him on March 2 last year.

Mctaggart brandished a knife, threatened his mum, seized her by the throat and shoved her.

He also admitted swinging a blade and a hammer repeatedly at one police officer, striking him a body blow with the hammer.

Mctaggart further admitted making repeated attempts to strike a second officer with the hammer.

Defence agent Simon Gilmour said that his client had been misusing alcohol and cannabis at the time.

The lawyer added:“his mother had concerns that cannabis use was affecting his behaviour.

“She confronted him about his lifestyle choices and he acted in the manner described.

“He has been on remand and she has visited him.

“They are trying to mend their relationship.”

Mctaggart also admitted illegal possession of scissors in Gartsherrie Road, Coatbridge, on April 19 last year while on bail and threatening or abusive behaviour towards the police on that occasion.

Mr Gilmour said his client had been using the scissors to cut cannabis and had“no intention”of using them as a weapon.

Mctaggart further admitted striking two men repeatedly on the body with a broken bottle to their severe injury in Coatbridge on August 9 last year.

One male was attacked in Bank Street, while the other was assaulted in Langloan Street.

His lawyer said Mctaggart was intoxicated at the time.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Derek O’carroll told Mctaggart:“i take account of the fact that you have a difficult and troubled background.

“Nonetheless, this catalogue of crimes to which you have pleaded guilty includes some very serious offences.”

The sheriff said that he would have imposed a longer sentence but for the accused’s young age and his guilty pleas.

The 34-month stretch was backdated as Mctaggart has been in custody since August last year.

He will be supervised for a year on his release.

The sheriff explained to Mctaggart: “That will provide you with support and assistance, and will also let the court keep an eye on you.”