Forres man spared prison sentence after exposing police officers to Covid

A SHERIFF warned a Forres man he was "perilously close" to a prison sentence, after the 24-year-old admitted exposing police officers to the possible risk of Covid by coughing in a constable's face.

Kyle Young was appearing for sentence at Inverness Sheriff Court after previously pleading to the offence, which occurred in his home in Kingsway on April 6, 2022.

The court was told that the police had gone to speak to Young about another matter and he informed them he had tested positive for Covid and was extremely ill.

Fiscal depute Martina Eastwood told Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that Young was arrested and handcuffed to the front.

Ms Eastwood said: "But he aggressively pulled his arms away and attempted to break free. Then he shouted and swore at the police and coughed in an officer's face, saying he hoped he would catch Covid."

Young admitted resisting arrest, threatening or abusive behaviour and assault.

Defence solicitor Grant Daglish said: "He apologises for his conduct."

Sheriff Cruickshank addressed Young: "I don't know if you understand but you are perilously close to a custodial sentence today. Your behaviour was wholly unacceptable which involved conduct towards police in the course of their duty."

Young was sentenced to 225 hours of unpaid community work and placed under 18 months of social work supervision.