A hapless Dundonian got himself arrested 20 minutes after being freed from custody.
James Dougan, 35, admitted blocking his partner with a crutch before launching into a “barrage” of disablist abuse shortly after being arrested in February this year.
Dougan had been taken in by police the night before for a separate matter.
He was released on an undertaking to appear at court later, the conditions of which denied him any contact with his partner.
However, Dundee Sheriff Court heard she had attended the police station with “the dove of peace under her arm”, hoping to make amends.
Anxious about the strict undertaking conditions, Dougan tried to separate himself from her and made his way to a nearby bus stop but his partner and her friend followed.
Taxi row
Depute fiscal Calum Brown told the court: “At around 3.30pm on February 18, the accused was released from police custody.
“The accused was at a bus shelter at the back of the Wellgate Centre.
“The witness (his partner) entered the shelter and attempted to engage Dougan in conversation.
“The accused raised his right crutch and held it in the air in a threatening manner.
“The accused was then restrained by the witness’ friend but he was able to get himself free.
“The witness then attempts to leave the scene and get into a taxi.
“The accused then attempts to open the taxi door.
“He then prevents the witness from closing the door with his crutch.”
‘Dove of peace’
Police arrived and he was arrested at 3.50pm – 20 minutes after his earlier release.
Mr Brown said: “In the back of the police vehicle he went on a barrage of abuse, calling officers ‘f***ing mongols and retards’.”
Defence solicitor Jim Laverty said: “The incident occurred where both parties fell out.
“Police were called and Mr Dougan tried to leave the property but could not because of mobility issues.
“At the time he used crutches and had nine operations, which restricted his mobility.
“His partner arrived the next day at the police station with the dove of peace under her arm.
“Dougan explained his terms of liberation to her and that he could not be with the lady.
“He went to the bus shelter and expected to be alone. The lady turned up.
“Because of what has happened his temper was high.
“He is normally someone who accepts when the game is up and comes quietly.”
Abusive terms ‘part of the local parlance’
Sheriff John Rafferty pointed out to Dougan the derogatory language thrown at police was “disgraceful”, to which Mr Laverty responded on his behalf: “It seems to be an education issue across Tayside.
“I have found it is a derogatory remark which is misunderstood.
“As someone who is in the court regularly I come across it often and I don’t think those using it understand it.
“It has become, regrettably, part of the local parlance.
“It is very much like when we as a society were a little less mindful of other considerations.
“He certainly regrets saying what he did in the heat of the moment.
“I would draw to your attention that these two words are words I have come across a few times over the years and there appears to be a lack of understanding of their impact.
“They are words which are part of the local parlance and I hope Mr Dougan can learn his lesson, as can the local community.”
Sheriff’s words of warning
Fining Dougan, Sheriff Rafferty said: “When you use words like you have, only one person diminished by it – you.
“But what you have to understand is there are people born with disabilities (offended by these words).
“For you to be abusive totally diminishes you.
“It is totally unacceptable in this era and in Scotland.”
Dougan, of Beauly Avenue, admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner on Victoria Road and Hilltown on February 18 2022.
He was fined £215.
The matter for which he was initially in custody is no longer before the courts.
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