A drunken thug has been spared jail for a “nasty and vicious” attack on a police officer during a rammy at a Perth pub.
David Oliphant launched himself at the constable outside the city’s Robert Burns Lounge after he was denied entry.
Perth Sheriff Court heard the officer was so badly beaten he was off work for several weeks.
Oliphant, of Auchtermuchty, appeared in the dock and admitted assaulting the officer to his injury on the pavement outside the County Place bar on March 8 this year.
He was told: “To be perfectly frank, you should go to prison today.”
Officer ‘stunned and disorientated’
Prosecutor Katie Stewart said two police officers on routine foot patrol in the city centre came across a commotion at the pub at around 11.30pm.
“Numerous people were overheard shouting. The constables entered the locus to investigate.
“They confirmed there was an incident inside, which required a number of persons to be ejected.
“Most of those involved began to walk away but a small group did congregate outside.”
One police officer was standing at the door of the pub and saw Oliphant trying to get in.
“The officer instructed the accused to remain away and placed his hand in front of him,” said Ms Stewart.
“However, this did not deter the accused who continued to try and walk into the locus.”
The police officer managed to push Oliphant back a few steps, before turning his body away to use his radio to call for back-up.
“At this time, the accused ran forward several steps and swung three punches towards the head of the officer, using both fists.
“Each one connected.”
The officer was left “stunned and disorientated”.
“He dropped his head forward to protect himself from further punches,” Ms Stewart added.
“But this placed him at a position of disadvantage and the accused was able to grab his shoulder straps of his body armour.”
The attack was witnessed by people outside the pub who ran to the police officer’s aid.
Oliphant released his grip and walked off towards King Street.
Police circulated a description and carried out a search of the city centre area but he was not traced until much later.
He attended at Perth police station on April 5 where he was cautioned and charged.
Disgraceful assault
The fiscal depute said the officer suffered “reddening to the face” and a swollen lip.
He also had “significant” jaw pain which resulted in him being off work for several weeks.
Solicitor Lindsey Barber, defending, said: “Mr Oliphant is quite frankly old enough to know better.
“Far too much drink was taken that evening.”
She said her client, who is unemployed, was remorseful and willing to pay back to the community.
Sheriff Donald Ferguson said: “When I started working as a lawyer, your client would have been given six months in prison – no argument.
“Assaulting a police officer is serious enough but this was nasty and vicious.”
The sheriff told Oliphant, who has previous convictions for assault: “This was an absolutely disgraceful and outrageous offence.
“To be perfectly frank, you should go to prison today.”
But having considered alternatives to custody, the sheriff placed Oliphant on supervision for six months and ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.
For more local court content visit our page or join us on Facebook.
