Moray biker banned from roads
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A motorbiker who headbutted a policeman has been fined as well as banned from the roads for drink driving.
Acting on information, officers went to David Ward's home at 3.30am on June 1.
At the property in Robert Street, Buckie, they found the 35-year-old still dressed in his motorbike leathers.
The engine of his orange Honda bike was also still warm to the touch.
Due to uncorroborated information that Ward had drunk up to half a bottle of Jack Daniels, the officers radioed colleagues and asked them to come to the property to administer an initial breath test.
Ward was described as being in an "agitated state" while waiting for their arrival.
Fiscal Depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh said: "The defendant took out his mobile phone and began filming one of the officers."
She added that the headbutt occurred when an attempt was made to take the phone off him.
The court heard that, by leaning back quickly, the officer managed to dodge the full force of the blow.
However, he was still left with a swollen lip.
Ms Duffy-Welsh stated that the defendant then started to shout about "police brutality".
Ward's initial breath test proved positive, at which point he was taken to the police station for a more accurate second test.
This recorded a reading of 100 – more than four and a half times the legal limit of 22.
Ward pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence on Buckie High Street and several other roads in the town.
He also admitted a charge of assault.
Defence solicitor Ben Thom stated that his client had "significant background issues which contributed to him acting in this manner".
The lawyer added: "It's totally out of character for him and he apologises unreservedly."
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood imposed a 12-month driving ban and £1040 in fines.
