Accused made threats to kill police officer

A Stirling man who was arrested for assault told a police officer “I’ll find where you live and kill you”.

The city’s sheriff court heard how Scott Campbell Russell was arrested by officers on foot patrol who witnessed him attacking another man on Friars Street.

But in the back of a police van he targeted one officer, making threats all the way to the police station.

He told the officer: “I don’t like you. You are getting it. I’ll find where you live and kill you.”

When they arrived at Stirling Police Station, his handcuffs were removed so he could be searched, and Russell began struggling, tensing his arms and fists until he had to be restrained and placed in a cell.

When he was later cautioned and charged he said: “I’m sorry. I was highly intoxicated. I don’t remember.”

Russell, 35, of Almond Court, Braehead, admitted assaulting George Russell in Friars Street on March 26 by repeatedly punching him on the head.

He also pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour within a police vehicle on the same date, and resisting officers by struggling violently at Stirling Police Station.

Defence solicitor Mr Cochrane told the court that Russell had attacked his victim in Friars Street, believing the man had purchased alcohol for his 16-year-old niece.

He said: “It’s an assault to no injury. He’s never involved himself with the police before and he apologised when he realised what he had done, after sobering up.”

He said Campbell’s partner died suddenly last October, and the offence was committed a couple of days before what would have been her birthday.

He added that Campbell was a carer for his father, who had drink-related health problems, and for his sister, who had mental health issues.

“He was finding it difficult to cope, and drinking far too much,” he added.

“He had quite a lot on his shoulders at this point and behaved out of character.”

Sheriff William Gilchrist said: “I understand you haven’t had any alcohol since this incident.”

He fined him £200 for the assault, and sentenced him to a Community Payback Order with supervision as well as 80 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months, for the two other offences.