Youth fought with police after party

A TEENAGER has been spared prison after attacking up to four police officers after a party in Dundee.

Scott Gallagher racially abused one officer and tried to bite and headbutt another after they were called to deal with a disturbance on Forres Avenue, Kirkton, on July 3 2019.

The 19-year-old was asked to leave after becoming aggressive.

By the time extra police arrived, he was aiming spit at them and threatening violence.

Depute fiscal Lee Corr told Dundee Sheriff Court: “The witness hosted a party, the accused was at this party.

“At around 2.30am the accused became aggressive and was asked to leave.

“The accused was moved from the property. Police attended the locus at around 3.55am.

“Officers attempted to engage Gallagher in conversation.

“He became aggressive with them, he shouted, swore and adopted a fighting stance.

“Officers attempted to take hold of the accused, who punched PC Shogun Hangestu and struck PC Rebecca Shaw to the head with his hand.

“He was restrained to the ground and continued to shout and swear.

“A spit hood was placed on him, he attempted to bite PCs Lisa Scrimgeour and Stuart Walker and butt them on the head.”

He was placed in leg restraints. Mr Corr continued: “As he was on the ground he continued to shout and swear, calling them ‘sluts’, he would ‘tear their faces off’ and called PC Shogun a racial slur.

“He was arrested at around 4am. “He was taken to Ninewells, then transferred to police headquarters.

“At around 6.25am he was cautioned and charged.”

Defence solicitor Douglas McConnell, in mitigation for Gallagher, said: “This was an incident which occurred three years ago.

“There are changes and positivity in his life which have been made.”

Sentencing him to a curfew for 135 days, Sheriff John Rafferty told the youth he was close to being jailed.

“These are extremely serious matters which would warrant a custodial sentence.

“The report is favourable, you have engaged with social services well and stayed out of trouble.

“Given your age, there is a possibility of a non-custodial sentence.”

Gallagher, of Charleston Drive, was ordered to stay in his home address from 7pm-5am for 135 days and fined £186.

He admitted eight charges, including assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, racial abuse and failing to appear for trial.