Thug who threatened to throw acid at cops jailed

Boozed-up yob put others at risk by setting fire to sheet

A THUG who tried to torch his flat and threatened to throw acid in the face of police has been jailed for 15 months.

Eric Black, 32, also spat at an officer during a boozefuelled rampage at his home.

Police had arrived at the property in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, after a neighbour of Black’s complained about noise. When they got to the flat Black launched himself at the door before trying to grab hold of an officer’s baton. He also threw a wok at them.

The yob – who had necked a half bottle of Jack Daniel’s and five cans of Miller lager – then set fire to a bed sheet, filling the flat with smoke.

Officers pleaded with him to stop and were forced to break down the door and arrest him.

Black told officers: “You’re lucky I don’t use my acid to throw in your faces and send you to Hairmyres and make you look like monsters. Would you like that?”

He appeared at Hamilton

Sheriff Court via video link from HMP Addiewell and admitted threatening and abusive behaviour, assault and culpable and reckless conduct in June.

Black’s lawyer told the court: “He said he had loud music on, was having a difficulty with his neighbour and an argument broke out.

“He said he was hearing voices in his head and put the music on to drown them out but appreciates the seriousness of the offence.

“He’d been doing relatively well until he foolishly decided to purchase Jack Daniel’s and cans of Miller and accepts a custodial sentence will be imposed.”

Black was jailed by Sheriff Thomas Millar, who told him: “The most serious charge is the potential damage which could have been caused and injury to others.

“A custodial sentence is inevitable. Hopefully you can seek assistance while you are in custody.”