A Perth teenager who was found wandering the streets in just his underpants has admitted attacking and biting two police officers during the first months of the Covid pandemic.
Drew Thom flew into a rage at Greyfriar’s homeless hostel in what a sheriff described as a “sustained catalogue of disruption and violence”.
The charity shop worker, who was 17 at the time, claims he caused an “explosion” by throwing a lighter at another resident.
He then launched a frenzied attack on two police officers who were called to investigate.
Thom appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted five charges of assault at the Princes Street hostel on July 25 2020.
He was locked up for 163 days.
Demanded his vape
The 20-year-old also pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour at Ninewells Hospital’s A&E department on November 5 2020.
Fiscal depute Michael Dunlop told the court: “At about 4.45am, the accused was traced outside Ace Taxis in Perth’s High Street.
“He was under the influence, covered in blood and wearing only his underpants.”
Thom was assessed by paramedics before being taken to A&E at Ninewells.
Police officers attended at about 7.30am.
“Whilst constables were there, the accused behaved in a threatening manner.
“He shouted, swore and threatened to throw a blood-soaked tissue at the officers.”
Thom told police: “I don’t like you. I’m going to get your f***ing gun.”
He added: “I need my vape. You need to f***ing get me my vape.”
Mr Dunlop said: “The accused said he would make up allegations against the two constables.
“He told them: ‘I have rights. You’re denying me my rights.’
“The accused was so disruptive that staff could not assess other patients in the ward.”
Thom was placed in a separate room but refused to calm down.
He was eventually taken into custody.
‘Exploding’ lighter
The court was also told about the disturbance at Grayfriars, four months earlier.
“Witness Stewart Heary, who was residing there, heard a commotion in one of the rooms,” said Mr Dunlop.
“Another resident, Natasha Eltarabishi, went to investigate.
“The accused was seen leaving the room.
“He returned a short time later with blood on his arm.”
Thom punched Mr Heary and pushed a door against Ms Eltarabishi, before throwing a lighter at her.
“Police were then summoned,” the fiscal depute said.
“Officers traced the accused who appeared very agitated.
“As soon as he saw police he began shouting at them to ‘f*** off’.”
Constables James Marshall and Andrew Beattie grabbed hold of Thoms’ arms.
He began repeatedly punching and kicking them to the head and body.
“He was informed he was under arrest and taken to the ground,” said Mr Dunlop.
“While attempts were made to restrain him, he lashed out with his hands and legs.”
He kicked PC Marshall on the mouth, leaving him with a swollen lip.
“The accused then bit PC Beattie on the left arm, while continuing to struggle and then bit PC Marshall on the hand.
“No skin was broken.”
Later, he told police about assaulting Ms Eltarabishi.
“I was angry,” he said.
“I chucked the lighter but I didn’t think it was going to explode.”
Television smashed
Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, said Thom had engaged well with the Right Track programme for young offenders.
“On this occasion, he was wandering the streets in his underwear, clearly under the influence.
“There was a suggestion that he had been given something by somebody.
“Around that time, his mother passed away.
“She left him a sum of money but Mr Thom’s so-called friends seem to have quickly emptied his account and moved on.
“He now sees life in an entirely different light.”
The defence agent said Thom had been “set off” at Greyfriar’s after his television was smashed.
Sheriff William Wood told Thom he was at a “turning point”.
“I continue to be concerned about your welfare,” he said.
“You need to decide what kind of life you are going to have.”
Thom was sentenced to 163 days detention for the assaults at Greyfriar’s.
Sentence was deferred for the Ninewells incident until September 7.
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