Thug spat in officer’s face during scuffle

Lout admits lashing out at cops

A yob spat in a cop’s face after wrestling with officers.

Mathew McLellan, 43, gobbed on PC Ross Jenkins as he struggled to haul him into a cell van.

Police were lifting him in connection with another matter when he kicked off.

But he told cops quizzing him: “I am not difficult for police to deal with.

“I’ve never caused police any difficulties.”

McLellan admitted lashing out when he was hauled into Paisley Sheriff Court.

Prosecutor Colin Wilson told how he turned “volatile” and “aggressive” as he was dragged away.

He said: “Mr McLellan was arrested in connection with another matter.

“Police were putting him in the rear of the van to take him to the office.

“He turned towards PC Jenkins and drew back his head and he spat in the direction of his face.

“This caused spittle to connect with his forehead and the top of his head.

“This happened while he was struggling with police officers.”

McLellan spat on the officer when he was detained in Renfrew’s Houston Street on September 26 last year.

His not guilty pleas to hindering arrest and uttering violent threats during the scuffle were accepted.

Defence lawyer Michael McKeown insisted his client was hurt when he was manhandled into the van.

He said: “He was unclear as to what the police interest in him was. “He had an injury to his right arm. “The manipulation by the police when trying to arrest him was causing him severe and significant pain. “He responded in the way he did. “He instantly regretted it.” He was bailed and ordered to keep out of trouble while he awaits sentencing.

Sheriff Susan Sinclair called for background reports.

She said: “I will see if you are fit to do some unpaid work in the community.”

McLellan, of Muirpark Avenue, Renfrew, has been ordered to return to court on June 18.