A Brechin man who repeatedly stabbed a police constable and injured one of his colleagues has been jailed for five years and four months.
Lyall Cameron wounded PC Ken Linton three times and also hurt another constable who sprayed CS gas on him during the attack before he was restrained.
In an incident a few months earlier Cameron had brandished a knife at officers.
Cameron (24), a sawmill worker who lived in Montrose Street, later told police that he was “just lashing out in temper” after being out with his wife.
He had snapped and wrecked the house, prompting his mother-in-law to call the police.
On Friday at the High Court in Edinburgh a judge told him that his behaviour was “wholly intolerable” and must result in heavy punishment.
Lord Uist said, “The assaults to which you have pleaded guilty are aggravated by the use of knives on police officers in the execution of their duty.
“Police officers charged with the duty to enforcing the law carry out a dangerous job on behalf of the public.”
He said the courts must do all they can to protect them by imposing heavy sentences on those who use serious violence against them.Risk to police officersThe judge told Cameron that he would have faced a seven-year prison sentence were it not for his guilty pleas.
He also ordered that Cameron be kept under supervision for a further three years.
A consultant psychiatrist who carried out an assessment on Cameron said he posed a risk to police officers in particular circumstances but not to the general public.
Defence counsel Susan Duff said her client was willing to participate in courses to address his issues with alcohol and anger management.
Cameron was originally charged with attempting to murder PC Linton outside his home on July 11 last year but the Crown earlier accepted his guilty plea to a reduced charge of assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of life by repeatedly striking him with knives.
He also admitted assaulting PC Mark Reid to his injury by striking him on the arm with a knife and committing a breach of the peace on the same date.
Advocate depute Morag Jack said Cameron had a previous conviction from January 2009 for possession of a knife and brandishing a knife at police officers. He was later jailed for 90 days for the offences.
Ms Jack said Cameron had been out for the night before the latest trouble with his wife Sharon, returning home after midnight.Argument with wifeThey got into an argument about her intention to drive a friend home and after she left with the car keys Cameron followed her and kicked the car and jumped on the bonnet.
He returned to the house and told his mother-in-law he’d “had enough.” He then picked up a TV and other items and threw them around, the court was told.
His wife asked her mother to contact the police.
The first officers on the scene found Cameron in the stairwell but he refused to give them his details. When one of them contacted the police control room he became more aggressive and agitated.
PCs Linton and Reid then arrived and were asked to remain with Cameron while the others went to the flat.
PC Linton asked for his details but Cameron repeatedly told him, “I’m going to have you.”
Cameron also said, “I dare you to say that again. Go on, I dare you, see what happens if you do.”
He pushed the officer on the shoulder and was told not to do it again and that he simply wanted his name. Cameron then began to lash out violently at PC Linton.Blow to kidneyMs Jack said, “Constable Linton felt one of the first blows strike him on his back near to his kidneys, below the protected area of his stab-resistant vest.”
The victim tried to grab Cameron’s head to push him down but his attacker continued to lash out, cutting him on the head and arms.
PC Reid used his CS spray and activated his emergency alarm button and other officers hurried to the scene.
Cameron fell to his knees as he felt the effects of the CS spray. Two knife blades were seen on the ground and, after he was handcuffed, police noticed the handle of a knife sticking out of a rear trouser pocket.
PC Linton was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and was found to have three stab wounds to the body and an arm, along with scratches to his head.
One wound had cut muscle and tendon on his right forearm and was treated with stitches and a cast. He has since returned to his police duties.
PC Reid was found to have minor cuts to his left elbow.
Cameron told police that he had been diagnosed as suffering a bipolar disorder.
He said, “I deeply regret my actions. I am very sorry, but there is no excuse and I just have to take what’s coming to me.”