A drunk reveller spat, lashed out and assaulted a police officer who saved him from falling to his death from a 50ft bridge in Aberdeen.
Tyler Tait was “leaning” against the bridge at Rosemount Viaduct when police approached him to make sure he was safe.
But when Constable Lee McConnachie pulled the drunk 20-year-old to safety after he made a motion to suggest he might “jump” from the bridge – which looks onto the busy Denburn Road – he lashed out.
Depute fiscal Cheryl Clark told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that the police was subjected to a “violent” and unprovoked attack.
At an earlier hearing, Tait admitted assaulting Mr McConnachie, striking him on the head and spitting on him.
He also admitted struggling violently with the cop and his fellow constable, lashing out at them with his arms and legs as he was arrested. He appeared for sentencing yesterday.
“Mr Tait was restrained and handcuffed and began to struggle with them,” said Miss Clark.
“He was taken to Kittybrewster police station, was later released, and sobered up.”
Sheriff William Taylor was told how Tait, who had never been in trouble with police before, was humiliated by what he had done on December 11 last year.
His solicitor Laura Maitland explained how his face had hit against the ground at one point during the fracas, which set him off.
But she said Tait, of 91 Greig Court, Aberdeen, fully accepted the officer did not deserve to be attacked, when all he was trying to do was help.
She said it was completely out of character for Tait, who wants to become a personal trainer, as he usually does not “drink to excess”.
“He is 20-years-old and a first offender. It was completely out of character,” she said.
“I think it’s clear from the report that he would like to apologise for his behaviour. He is disgusted with himself.
“He realises that police were only trying to help him and did not deserve the way he reacted.”
Sheriff Taylor said that in the interest of public safety, he would defer sentence on Tait for a further six months to prove he can be of good behaviour. He will return to court in March.