Yob asleep in van outside police station

A visitor to Hamilton landed in trouble after falling asleep in his van outside the police station following a boozy night out.

William Cassidy hurled abuse at officers who wanted to breathalyse him, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week.

Cassidy, 33, a prisoner, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour in Campbell Street on July 17 last year.

He also admitted failing to take a breath test.

Scott O’connor, prosecuting, said that police officers spotted him in the driver’s seat of the van at about 5am and noticed a strong smell of alcohol.

He swore at them and was arrested.

Despite the incident happening outside Hamilton Police Station, Cassidy was taken to Govan in Glasgow.

Mr O’connor stated:“he then became very hostile and spat on the floor, forcing officers to restrain him and apply a spithood.”

Defence agent Sandy Morrison said that Cassidy had been staying in a hotel in Hamilton.

He told the court:“he went to a nightclub where he was assaulted.

“At that point police officers arranged a taxi for him back to his hotel, but when he arrived there he was unable to gain entry.

“He walked back to Hamilton town centre where his van was parked next to the police station.

“He tried to get into the police station to explain his situation, but it was closed so he decided to sleep in his van. Officers arrived a short time later.

“He tried to explain to them but became frustrated. “He had no intention of driving.”

Sheriff Liam Murphy told Cassidy that his behaviour had“left a lot to be desired”and fined him £1600.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months.