An intoxicated driver who attacked police apprehending him in Meigle has been jailed for almost a year.
Geoffrey Williamson, who once tortured a retired sheriff in a midnight siege, was reported to police after being seen staggering out of his black Peugeot van in the Perthshire village on November 4.
Williamson, of Ackergill Crescent in Wick, was reported to police after driving erratically in east Perthshire.
At Perth Sheriff Court, Depute Fiscal David Currie said: “At around 4.40pm, drivers witnessed a black Peugeot van travelling into the gateway in Meigle.
“All witnesses were of the opinion that the vehicle was being driven erratically.
“They witnessed the driver struggling to park.”
Williamson eventually brought the vehicle to a standstill and entered a property in Glebeway.
“The accused was seen to be staggering between the vehicle and the address,” Mr Currie said.
“He almost fell on two occasions.”
Alarmed by his condition, witnesses contacted police.
Violent struggle
When they arrived, Williamson staggered towards the front door and fell into bins, before stumbling into officers.
Police concluded that the 44-year-old was under the influence of drink or drugs.
Williamson identified himself as the driver but refused to provide a breath sample or a saliva sample.
He was arrested and began lashing out, punching one of the special constables to the face and kicking his shins.
The officer with whom Williamson had “struggled violently” was left hurt but not in need of medical attention.
Handcuffed Williamson was taken to Bell Street Station in Dundee, arriving shortly after 6pm, where he again was uncooperative, refusing to provide a blood sample to officers.
A doctor at the station was so concerned about Williamson’s condition, he was taken to Ninewells Hospital for checks.
Still in cuffs, Williamson attempted to kick the head of PC Russell Duffy, who was accompanying him.
He admitted to driving while unfit, failing to provide a breath sample, take a drug test or provide a blood sample and assaulting officers in Meigle and at Ninewells.
Significant drug problem
Williamson’s defence solicitor Steve Lafferty explained Williamson surrendered his license after sobering up.
He said: “These are serious offences.
“Shortly after this incident, he realised he had a significant drug problem he needed to get a handle of.
“He regards this episode as an impetus to change.”
Sheriff Gillian Wade sentenced Williamson to 46 weeks behind bars and banned him from the road for three years and three months.
She said: “There really is no excuse for your behaviour.
“I take a grim view of all of your offences.
“There is no alternative to custody.”
Tortured judge
In 2001, Williamson was jailed for playing his part in a brutal armed robbery targeting former Sheriff Ewen Stewart in Wick.
The retired judge, who lived alone, was repeatedly cut, beaten and then tied up and gagged before a pillowcase was pulled over his face.
Williamson was handed a five-year prison sentence after admitting slashing, kicking, and punching the 74-year-old to his severe injury, as well as tying him up and gagging him.
The sheriff was tied in agony for seven hours before being discovered by a paperboy.
He spent six days in hospital and had four lacerations on his face after being repeatedly slashed.