A Bonfest boozer has been hammered with a four-figure fine after a double police assault at the height of this year’s international celebration of Kirriemuir’s AC/DC rock star son.
Kirrie man Michael Meechan had been among thousands of fans from across the globe enjoying gigs and the party atmosphere at the annual tribute to the rock band’s former frontman Bon Scott.
But he was caught up in a 1.30am rammy on the burgh’s busy streets and twice ended up hauling police to the ground before delivering a racist taunt at one officer after a day of drinking.
Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan told Forfar Sheriff Court Meechan was part of a large group involved in an argument outside a town pub in the early hours of Sunday May 6.
“Everyone was requested to leave but the accused didn’t take any notice of police and was taken hold of by his left arm,” the fiscal said.
Meechan was then told to stop resisting but wrapped his legs around the officer’s leg, causing them to fall to the ground.
The 29-year-old was handcuffed, but did the same thing again as he was being led to a police van, calling one of the police officer’s an “Irish *****”.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said: “On that weekend Kirrie was extremely busy and this occurred around 1am on the Sunday morning.
“He had been out since probably Saturday dinner time and his recollection is that there was a disagreement between local youths and what might be termed middle aged rockers, the solicitor added.
“He got involved as peacekeeper in his mind, the police then became involved and, disinhibited by his drinking, he acted in this way. He has asked me to publicly apologise.”
Mr Markowski added: “He’s fortunate that the injuries sustained by the officers were not more serious.
“He also doesn’t consider himself in any way to be racist, but accepts the comment he made was racist.”
Sheriff Derek Reekie said: “Bonfest is supposed to be a time of entertainment, not of assaulting police officers.
“Drink is no excuse. The police have a bad enough job dealing with drunks and ending up on the ground and being abused in that way just makes matters worse.
“I take into account you have no previous convictions relevant to this and it seems the most appropriate punishment is a financial penalty.”
Meechan, of Knowehead, admitted the offences and was fined a total of £1,060.
