Elgin-based ex-serviceman is jailed after spitting on police officer

POLICE officers assisting an injured man in Elgin were hindered by an ex-serviceman who later spat at one.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard that police were trying to assist a man with a head injury when they were Samuel Bliss pushed an officer in the chest.

Bliss, who was described as an Inverness prisoner but resided in Victoria Crescent, Elgin, appeared from remand by video link before Sheriff Sara Matheson.

He admitted breaching a bail condition which banned him from entering the lane which Joanna's Nightclub is on in Elgin, obstructing police and assaulting a constable.

The offences were all committed on the night of June 10, 2023.

Fiscal depute Robert Weir said that Bliss had been told to leave the area by police as they were busy trying to help the casualty.

"He was aggressive and pushed an officer on the chest," he said. "He was arrested and taken to Elgin Police Station's custody suite but had to be restrained to the cell floor when he spat at an officer."

Defence solicitor Iain Maltman told the Sheriff that his client, who had served in both the Army and Navy, acknowledges that, with the seriousness of the offences and his record, that the threshold for custody has passed.

Mr Maltman said: "He had been experiencing low mood and began drinking on his own before going into Elgin centre.

"He fully accepts he hindered the officers and sincerely apologises. He has long term underlying issues with cannabis and alcohol following the death of his parents."

Jailing Bliss for 10 months, backdated to June 12, Sheriff Matheson told him: "Assaults on police officers and, in particular, spitting on them is an ongoing problem and the court will not hesitate in imposing custodial sentences."