Offshore worker drunkenly attacked policeman

An offshore worker who drunkenly butted a policeman who was trying to help him to his feet has been fined.

Michael Jones, 55, lashed out at Constable Robert Mackay after he had been drinking and the officer discovered him slumped at Castle Hill in Forres.

Fiscal Ruaridh McAllister said police patrolling the town spotted Jones “staggering about the High Street” at 10.30pm on Saturday, August 30.

The court heard that he managed to elude them, before being found 30 minutes later “lying face down at the foot of a set of steps”.

The concerned officers called an ambulance and attempted to explain the situation to Jones when he came round.

Mr McAllister added: “The accused tried to speak to the officers but he was incoherent.

“He began swaying around, and when the police tried to assist him he lunged forward and deliberately headbutted Constable Mackay on the face.”

The policeman was left with a swollen lip, and Jones needed stitches to close a wound he suffered when he fell.

Jones, of 81 Knockhomie Gardens, Forres, admitted assaulting Constable Mackay by butting him.

Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov fined him £650.