An unconscious Angus drug-taker who woke to attack a paramedic about to administer an overdose reversal injection has dodged a jail sentence.
Daniel O’Brien had been the subject of a 999 emergency call when he was reported lying comatose in an Arbroath street at around 8pm.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard two paramedics arrived to find the 26-year-old unconscious on the ground and prepared to administer of the opoid reversal drug Naloxone, which can prevent a fatality if used within a short period of an overdose.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Forfar Sheriff Court O’Brien woke up and attempted to punch one paramedic, before getting to his feet and landing a blow to the face of the emergency worker.
“The paramedic restrained him while still holding onto the syringe but then let go. The accused punched him again to his shoulder but then fell to the ground because he was unsteady on his feet,” added Ms Drummond.
Police arrived and O’Brien was handcuffed but as he was being put in the back of a police vehicle, he spat on the ear of one of the officers, leading to a spit mask being applied.
Defence solicitor Billy Rennie said: “This is a little bit out of character for someone who is 26.
“There is mention in the social work report of cannabis but his recollection is being offered to take something else.
“His next recollection is then of someone approaching him with a needle and not knowing what is going on.
“He does appear to be remorseful and is an individual who presents as a fairly calm, relatively mature young man.”
O’Brien, of Glenogil Drive, Arboath admitted three charges of assault on September 1 at the town’s Bloomfield Crescent.
Sheriff Gregor Murray told him: “Those who occupy posts in the emergency services, in particular paramedics and police officers require the protection of the courts when people such as you act in an extreme way.”
He described spitting at the police officer as “vile”.
“You seem to do nothing with your life except smoke huge amounts of cannabis,” said the sheriff.
“I accept you have shown some signs of maturity and I am prepared, just, not to send you to jail, but as an alternative I will impose the most hours of unpaid work I can.”
O’Brien must complete 200 hours under a one-year community payback order.
