An aggressive drunk who headbutted and spat at police officers has been warned he’s at an “age and stage” where he must turn his life around.
John Gerrard has been warned he faces prison if he fails to address his alcohol and drug use while he is still young.
The 20-year-old appeared at Aberdeen Sherriff Court after admitting the vile behaviour towards police officers called to his city flat to deal with a disturbance there.
Fiscal depute Lucy Simpson told the court police were called to a flat on Ferrier Crescent around 1am on May 12 last year after neighbours reported a disturbance.
“They heard swearing and shouting within the property and entry was made through an insecure door due to concern for those within,” the fiscal said.
Gerrard was found acting in an “erratic and aggressive manner”.
Was ‘hostile’ towards officers
As officers tried to detain him he headbutted one constable on the nose and spat on another’s face.
He was placed in a “spit hood” and taken to the ground where he continued to be “hostile”, the court heard.
Gerrard, who was placed on a community payback order last December after cannabis worth £24,000 was found in his flat, admitted two charges of assault.
Defence agent Chris Maitland asked that Gerrard be spared custody and given a chance to carry out that existing order and also cited his client’s young age and potential.
“He has appropriately reflected on his behaviour,” he added. “It was his issues with alcohol that caused him to act in a bad way.
“He accepts his actions and apologises for them.”
‘You are at a critical age and stage’
Sheriff Ian Wallace said he was “persuaded” that there was an alternative to custody because of Gerrard’s young age.
But he warned him: “It’s hoped you will soon be less likely to be involved in the drinking and drugs.
“I also take into account your diagnosis of ADHD.
“You need to be punished but I consider a non-custodial sentence is more likely to reduce your offending.
“If you don’t go to prison today you are less likely to do so in the future.
“You say you have moved on from the negative influences of your peers and this all adds stability to your life.
“You are at a critical age and stage in your life.”
Gerrard, of Oldcroft Place, Aberdeen, was handed 150 hours of unpaid work and a nine-month curfew on top of his existing order.
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen and the latest crime and breaking incidents, join our new Facebook group.Â
