A racist thug who spat on a police officer in a hospital after hurling bigoted abuse was jailed yesterday for nine months.
Gary Beaton, 45, assaulted PC Dean Courtney at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in February this year.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Beaton was released from prison the day before and got “drunk as much he could.”
The authorities took him to the hospital for treatment before he woke up after 1am and became abusive.
Prosecutor Graham MacDonald said: “He said ‘P*** b******s to Asian members of staff and refused to desist.”
A 999 call was made and Beaton continued his tirade of abuse towards them.
Mr MacDonald added: “He said ‘F*** you’ and spat towards PC Courtney and it hit him on the head and his right eye.”
A spit hood was applied and PC Courtney received immediate medical attention including a Hepatitis C jag.
The court was told the police had initially believed Beaton was diagnosed with the disease which turned out to be false.
Beaton was arrested and held in custody before pleading guilty yesterday to the assault and acting in a threatening or abusive manner.
Ian Sievwright, defending, said: “That day was freezing cold with snow and he was sleeping rough and was told there was no accommodation in Glasgow.
“He chose to become intoxicated and drank as much as he could and he has little recollection of his behaviour.”
Sheriff Johanna Johnston QC said: “At a time when everyone is very grateful to the NHS for what they are doing for the community you were causing a lot of problems.
“You assaulted a police officer in a disgusting fashion when you were not a day out of prison and you will be going to prison.”
Sheriff Johnston also ordered Beaton to do 160 days of his previous sentence before starting his latest jail term.
