A Ross-shire man became aggressive in court yesterday as he was jailed for six months for assaulting a man and committing a racially aggravated breach of the peace.
Thomas Easton, of 10 Milnafua, Alness, was previously found guilty of headbutting a man Bught Park, as well as conducting himself in a disorderly manner at the park by shouting and swearing and looking to fight with security staff, as well as making racist remarks.
The 28-year-old’s sentence had been deferred for the production of background reports.
Yesterday at Inverness Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Alison Foggo conceded that her client’s behaviour during his trial was similar to that demonstrated during the course of his offences.
She added that Easton “still considers he was justified in behaving the way he did” and stressed that the first thing to will be to address his mental health.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson said: “In relation to the complaint of assault and breach of peace with racial aggravation, I have no option but to impose a custodial sentence”.
After being sentenced, Easton began a tirade of verbal abuse towards the court’s security guards and a police officer by slamming his hand down on the bench in front of him. He then struggled with officers as he was taken away.