A Dundee drug dealer tried to bite and scratch the eyes of two off-duty police officers in a new year pub brawl.
Dale Pearson, 30, thought he was about to be battered by two men in the toilets of the Kinloch Arms after spending Monday afternoon drinking.
Pearson had been recognised by Andrew Clark and Gavin Howard, off-duty constables who had also been enjoying a drink in the Carnoustie pub.
He was subject to a recall warrant at the time, prompting Mr Clark and Mr Howard to contact police headquarters, advising their colleagues wanted Pearson was at large in the town.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard Mr Howard engaged Pearson in conversation at the bar as officers from Police Scotland rushed to the pub.
Pearson went to the toilet, followed by Mr Clark who advised him to remain where he was.
Snapped teeth at cops
Depute fiscal Laura Farquhar told the court: “Pearson told him he was going to the toilet then going home.
“Mr Clark followed Pearson into the bathroom and told him not to leave and that police had been called.
“Pearson reacted violently.
“He headbutted Mr Howard to the face and repeatedly punched and elbowed him to the face and upper body and legs.
“Pearson then used the back of his head to strike Mr Clark in the face.
“He then elbowed Mr Clark to his upper body and attempted to claw Mr Howard’s eyes with his fingers.
“Pearson then snapped his teeth at the pair and repeatedly attempted to bite their hands.”
All involved received black eyes
Defence solicitor Andrew Lyall, in mitigation, said: “He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
“He had not gone out that night seeking trouble.
“He was followed into the bathroom – he thought he was about to be assaulted.
“He did not know they were officers.
“He was in a state of confusion.
“He struck out at them. They were not just standing there.
“They received black eyes. So did he.
“He regrets his actions.
Sheriff John Rafferty sentenced Pearson, of Strathmartine Road, to eight months in prison, reduced from 12 for his early plea.
Bitcoin claim
Pearson was jailed in 2019 for five years for drug dealing and had previously been charged with setting up a web design company to front a large-scale fraud.
He was said to have scammed a £250,000 mortgage before “concealing, disguising, converting and transferring” cash and Bitcoin amounting to £789,046.64 over the course of six years.
The money laundering charges, said to be connected to serious and organised crime, were dropped when Pearson admitted dealing cocaine and ketamine.
A specialist forensic accountant analysed claims he made a fortune trading in Bitcoin as the Crown sought to claw back cash made through his crimes.
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