A drug addict who butted a police officer who had tried to help him after he was found lying in the street has been jailed for six months.
Christopher Walker, 31, of Strathmartine Road, has 10 previous convictions for assaulting police officers.
He admitted assaulting a police officer on February 18 in Fairbairn Street by striking him on the head, while on two bail orders.
Fiscal depute Claire Kennedy told Dundee Sheriff Court that a member of the public called the force after finding Walker lying face down on the pavement at around 10.50pm.
She said he appeared to be OK, but was heavily under the influence of a substance and that the officer stayed with him to see if he required an ambulance or a lift home.
Walker gave his name to the officer and was helped to his feet.
But then, without warning, he butted the officer on the face.
After being arrested and taken to police HQ, he said: “I would like to apologise for what I done — I’m sorry for doing that.”
Solicitor George Donnelly said Walker had been through “cold turkey” and hadn’t taken drugs or alcohol for a few weeks.
He had been given Valium, however, which the court heard had a huge effect on him. He said he had no criticism of the police, but when he was told there was a warrant for him for the Justice of the Peace Court, he reacted in the way he did.
Mr Donnelly added: “He came into contact with the officer’s face.
“There was no injury and he apologises again through me today.”
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael told Walker: “You’ve brought this upon yourself.
“I see you have 10 previous convictions for assaults on police officers and too many other convictions for me to count here.
“The police should not have to risk being attacked when they go to someone’s assistance.”
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