Six police officers were required to put an Arbroath man with a “Jekyll and Hyde” personality into a police cell.
Marc McGough, 30, admitted acting aggressively, shouting and swearing and struggling with police officers en route to and at Dundee Police Station on June 29.
He also admitted that on the same date at his home address he assaulted a police officer by butting him to his injury.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard two police officers were called to McGough’s home in Ness Drive after his grandmother became concerned about his behaviour.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said McGough had been drinking following the death of his mother two days before the incident, and had returned home under the influence of alcohol.
“It was clear to his grandmother that he was heavily under the influence of alcohol. He was angry and knocking things about his upstairs bedroom. His grandmother contacted the police.
“The accused obstructed the police officers and two sets of handcuffs were placed on him as inquiries were made about what had taken place.
“He continued to be aggressive and refused to desist and continued to try to throw his weight about.
“He was informed that he was under arrest and the two officers struggled to get him to the van.
“He fell to the ground several times and also tried to break free. When he was on the ground he made himself a deadweight.
“Just after midnight officers attempted to lift the accused into the van at which point he thrust his head forward and connected with one police officer’s cheek.
“The officer suffered swelling to the face but did not require to go to hospital.
“On the way to the police station he thrust his head on the doors of the cage and continued to shout and swear and threatened to bite the police officers on the face if they attempted to remove him from the van.
“It took six police officers to place the accused in a cell.”
Defence agent Billy Rennie said McGough accepted responsibility for his conduct and urged Sheriff Marion McDonald to place his client on a low tariff structured deferred sentence.
He said: “There is an element of Jekyll and Hyde to Mr McGough and alcohol brings out the worst in him.
“This incident has led him to reflect on his bad habit of drinking.”
Sheriff McDonald said: “You are on the cusp of going back to prison but I’m prepares to place you on a low tariff structured deferred sentence for two months.
“The supplementary report will assess your ability to do unpaid work.”