A Montrose man who assaulted two police officers while on a night out narrowly avoided jail at Forfar Sheriff Court.
James Jeffs, of Basin View Crescent, previously admitted that on March 15 at George Street, Montrose, he assaulted one police constable by repeatedly punching him on the head and another officer by butting him.
The 24-year-old also previously admitted punching a man on the face and grabbing him by the neck at George Street on the same date.
Defence agent Nick Markowski told the court: “He had gone out initially for a meal to celebrate the birth of a friend’s child and then carried on drinking.
“He committed the first offence as he was leaving one premises. Thereafter he went to another premises.
“When it cleared out, he was standing on the road and was asked to move by police. He then assaulted the two officers.”
Mr Markowski said his client worked full time as a pressure control technician, earning £40,000 a year, and would be in a position to pay a financial penalty or carry out hours of unpaid work.
He added that Jeffs’ record only had one previous conviction from seven years ago.
“He has asked me to apologise to the court. He is shocked and disgusted at his behaviour,” he added.
“He knows the policemen were only doing their jobs. Fortunately for him there are no injuries libelled.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray said someone could normally expect to receive a custodial sentence for a charge of butting a police officer.
He said: “You have pled guilty to three very serious charges.
“Ordinarily the headbutting charge would almost automatically bring a custodial sentence.
“However, you have a very limited record, gave an early plea and you are obviously remorseful.”
He sentenced Jeffs to 120 hours of unpaid work to be finished within one year.