A Menzieshill teenager has been spared prison after attacking up to four police officers following a party in Kirkton.
Scott Gallagher racially abused one officer and tried to bite and headbutt another after they were called to deal with a disturbance on Dundee’s Forres Avenue in July 2019.
The 19-year-old had been asked to leave the gathering after becoming aggressive towards other attendees.
By the time extra police arrived, he was aiming spit at them and threatening them with violence.
Party turned violent
Depute fiscal Lee Corr told Dundee Sheriff Court: “The witness hosted a party, the accused was at this party.
“At around 2.30am the accused became aggressive and was asked to leave.
“He began to challenge the witness to a fight, a struggle ensued between them.
“The accused was moved from the property.
“Police attended the locus at around 3.55am. The accused was topless.
“Officers approached him and attempted to engage Gallagher in conversation.
“He became aggressive with them, he shouted, swore and adopted a fighting stance.
“Officers attempted to take hold of the accused, who punched PC Shogun Hangestu and struck PC Rebecca Shaw to the head with his hand.
“He was restrained to the ground and continued to shout and swear.
“A spit hood was placed on him, he attempted to bite PCs Lisa Scrimgeour and Stuart Walker and butt them on the head.”
Close to prison sentence
Gallagher was placed in leg restraints
Mr Corr continued: “As he was on the ground he continued to shout and swear, calling them ‘sluts’, he would ‘tear their faces off’ and called PC Shogun a racial slur.
“He was arrested at around 4am and put in a police vehicle.
“He was taken to Ninewells, then transferred to police headquarters.
“At around 6.25am he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”
Defence solicitor Douglas McConnell, in mitigation for Gallagher, said: “This was an incident which occurred three years ago.
“There are changes and positivity in his life which have been made.”
Sentencing him to a curfew for 135 days, Sheriff John Rafferty told the youngster he was very close to being jailed.
“These are extremely serious matters which would warrant a custodial sentence.
“The report is favourable, you have engaged with social services well and stayed out of trouble.
“Given your age, there is a possibility of a non-custodial sentence.”
Gallagher, of Charleston Drive, was ordered to stay in his home address between 7pm and 5am for 135 days and fined £186.
He admitted eight charges, including assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, racial abuse and failing to appear for trial, following an incident on Forres Avenue on July 3 2019.
