An Angus Hogmanay reveller was so drunk he swung and missed a punch before falling over a wall.
Alexander Docherty (20), of Dishlandtown Street, Arbroath, appeared at Arbroath Sheriff Court yesterday following the attack outside the town’s Coast nightclub in the early hours of January 1.
He admitted assaulting a man at Gravesend, Arbroath, by lunging at him and attempting to punch him on the head, causing himself and his victim to fall over a wall.
Docherty further admitted trying to assault an officer at Arbroath Police Office on the same date, by repeatedly attempting to kick him on the head and body.
The court heard Docherty was on bail for other matters at the time of the offences.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said the first attack took place around 1.45am, after door staff refused to let Docherty back into the premises.
She said: “The accused was heavily under the influence of alcohol and causing annoyance to the general patrons of the nightclub.
“Police officers told him to leave the area and he wasn’t happy.
“He crossed the road and raised his middle finger.”
Docherty then approached a man for no apparent reason and asked: “What are you going to do about it?”
Ms Anderson said: “He tried to punch the complainer but didn’t connect, resulting in both men falling over a wall.”
Officers took Docherty to the station where he was strip-searched.
He attempted to lash out at an officer, but again swung wide of the mark.
Defence agent Ian Mackinnon said his client had paid £15 to get into the club and was unhappy to be refused access.
He added: “He felt aggrieved that his night had abruptly come to an end.
“He does accept he lashed out with his arms and legs after being strip-searched.”
Docherty told Sheriff Peter Paterson he used money that a relative had given him at Christmas to go out drinking.
Sentence was then deferred until January 22, when other matters are calling.
Sheriff Paterson said: “If you are back before me before then you will be remanded in custody.”
gbletcher@thecourier.co.uk