A Moray man was fined £200 yesterday for assaulting a police officer who tried to stop him killing himself.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard 44-year-old Robert Semple had been in a “dark place” on August 21 last year when police found him in his car at Drum Wood, Balnakyle, Aberlour.
Fiscal depute Ruairidh McAlistair said officers tried to gain entry, but the doors were locked, so they smashed the driver’s window and attempted to free him.
Semple had a fishing priest in his arms and used it to strike Constable Michael Duncan twice.
CS gas was used to incapacitate him, before officers were able to reach in and turn off the engine.
He was freed from the car and taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital by police.
Semple’s solicitor Matthew O’Neill said his client accepted and deeply regretted the assault.
He said: “At the time, Mr Semple was in a clearly dark place. He is aware of what could have happened that day, but things have since improved dramatically for him.”
Sheriff James Hendry said: “A police officer was hurt seriously in this incident, but, in this case, I would rather help you than punish you.”
Semple was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to PC Duncan, and will be under supervision for nine months.