Yob spat in cop’s face

A domestic abuse suspect tried to throw a police officer down a flight of stairs after boasting that it would take “more than six of you to get me out of here”.

John Morrison also spat in the officer’s face after attempting to headbutt him.

Morrison, 53, admitted charges of police assault and threatening or abusive behaviour when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court, pictured, this week.

The disturbance happened at a house in Buchanan Crescent, Hamilton, on February 21 last year.

Morrison’s not guilty plea to a charge of shouting abuse at his wife and grabbing her by the throat, head and body was accepted.

The court heard police officers arrived at the house at half-past midnight in response to a report of domestic abuse.

Scott O’connor, prosecuting, said: “They chapped on the accused’s bedroom door and identified themselves.

“Morrison jumped out of bed and shouted, ‘get out of my house now’.

“He became aggressive, clenched his fists and stated, ‘I’m going nowhere. It will take more than six of you to get me out of here. I’ll do you all.’

“The officers tried to negotiate a peaceful resolution, but he continued to shout, telling PC Lisa Fisher he would ‘destroy her’.”

Morrison was handcuffed and led downstairs, protesting his innocence.

The fiscal added: “He tried to headbutt PC Chris Leyden and missed, but then spat on his surgical mask.

“He tried to throw PC

Leyden down the stairs and as a result both men fell.

“They got to their feet again and Morrison again threw his weight about, causing PC Leyden to stumble down three steps and strike his elbow and ribs against the metal railing.

“The accused was taken to Motherwell police station where he made threats against officers.”

Defence agent Scott Jones said Morrison, who admitted previous convictions, has drink and drugs issues.

He added: “On this occasion he hadn’t taken his medication and had consumed alcohol for the first time in a considerable period.

“He regrets his behaviour.” Sheriff Martin Jones deferred sentence until next month for background reports. Morrison, of Swisscot Avenue, Hamilton, was allowed to remain on bail.