Courts in Moray: Fochabers man insulted and assaulted police
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A man who launched a torrent of verbal abuse after being arrested has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.
Colin Reid was told yesterday that if he appears back at Elgin Sheriff Court any time soon he will probably end up in jail.
The 38-year-old was arrested on June 19 following a domestic dispute at his former home in Fochabers.
The court heard that the father of Reid's partner had recently passed away.
Despite this, during a dispute he shouted at her to go "**** your dad".
She went outside to a caravan, but he followed and began banging on its door.
Witnesses heard him shout: "Go **** your mum's ****".
Police arrived and arrested Reid, who claimed: "It was just a silly argument."
He was taken to Dr Gray's Hospital for a medical reason.
The court heard that several insults were directed towards the police during the journey.
Reid kicked a female police officer on the shin.
In addition, he told a male officer to dig up his dead father.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty said that whole evening was "a matter of deep regret" to his client.
The lawyer added that Reid had managed to abstain from alcohol for several years, but had succumbed again due to family pressures.
Mr Carty stated he'd since sought help to stop once more.
Speaking directly to the defendant, Sheriff Robert McDonald said: "I'm sure you realise that there's a very real risk of being sent to jail for this, given your record and your behaviour towards the police officers.
"Come back here for another offence and the court will have run out of other options."
Reid, whose current address is in Lhanbryde, was placed under the court's supervision for a year.
He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work for the community during the same period.
