A former soldier who made “wholly inappropriate” remarks to a police officer was spared a jail sentence at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday.
Graham Taylor, 38, was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid community work during which he will be under supervision.
The incident occurred at Wick police station on December 21, last year.
Taylor used a swearword when referring to sergeant Michael O’Brien’s Irish nationality.
He added: “I used to knock people like you out, for a living.”
Taylor, of 7 Mackay Street, Castletown, realised what he had done when he sobered up the following day and telephoned the police station to apologise. He admitted abusive behaviour.
Solicitor Neil Wilson said: “When he chooses to drink to excess, he has to accept the consequences.”
Sheriff Andrew Berry said that for Taylor who had previously been in uniform to abuse someone currently in uniform was “unforgivable” and “wholly inappropriate”.
The sherrif added: “The police and others in public service have a right to be treated with respect.”
Soldier spared jail after swearing at police officer
