A Wishaw man hurled sectarian abuse at police officers and threatened to kill them.
Brian Douglas then spat after he was arrested, narrowly missing one officer.
He's now been warned he could be jailed - despite being his mother's main carer.
Douglas, of Pentland Road, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
The 43-year-old admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers and assaulting PC John Evans by trying to spit at him.
Jennifer McCabe, prosecuting, said officers went to Douglas's home in relation to another incident shortly after midnight on October 17, 2020.
He was questioned and became aggressive, shouting 'Fenian bas***ds. I'm going to kill you'.
His rowdy behaviour continued as he was being conveyed to Motherwell police station.
Ms McCabe told the court: "PC Evans opened the door of the police vehicle and Douglas spat in his direction, narrowly missing him."
Defence agent Jackson Bateman acknowledged the serious nature of the charges, but asked that Douglas's bail be continued while background reports are prepared.
Mr Bateman stated: "I've explained to him that the court takes a dim view of these matters.
"I have letters from family members. He is the primary carer for his mother."
Sheriff Linda Nicolson deferred sentence until next month and agreed to continue bail, but she warned Douglas: "This is a serious matter and all sentencing options are being considered."
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