An intoxicated Plains man who threatened a police officer has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.
Nicky McHugh, of Brownieside Place, tried to escape the clutches of cops after crashing his car into another vehicle on Ballochney Drive in
August.
Following his arrest, the 27-year-old chillingly threatened to bite a particularly sensitive part of one of the officer’s anatomy.
The procurator fiscal told Airdrie Sheriff Court last week: “At 5.50pm, police saw the accused driving in the opposite direction to them around a sharp corner.
“He was half way over the lines on the road and nearly collided with a vehicle.
“They initially lost sight of the vehicle but a few minutes later they located it and saw it had crashed into a van. As they approached he made off.
“He was apprehended and was in an intoxicated state and shouting and swearing.
“He said, ‘I’ll take your head clean off and chew your b**** off’, before struggling and resisting arrest.
“A knife was also found in the pocket of his car.”
McHugh’s solicitor said: “He’s back in the family home with his parents and siblings after separating from his long-term partner of eight years.
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“He has a loving family who support him and have been present in court. He left school after fourth year to pursue a joinery apprenticeship; he didn’t leave with no direction.
“He’s qualified and skilled and would still be working for the company he did if it were still in place. He became unemployed through no fault of his own.”
The solicitor continued: “He’s a window fitter now and earns around £500 per week.
“As his long-term relationship deteriorated he spent more time away from his environment.
“He was with associates who had alcohol and drug issues and as such he developed a drug dependency. The report says this period has allowed him to reflect on his life choices, which is accurate.
“He will absolutely comply with any alternative to custody.”
Sheriff Frank Pieri said: “You could have received a significant custodial sentence for this.
“On balance, an alternative is something I can impose.
“You’ll be under supervision for 18 months with a conduct requirement to attend the road traffic group.
“You’ll also complete 200 hours of unpaid work which I have reduced from 250 due to your plea.”
