A Fife man tried to set his dog on police as they arrived to investigate a report of a domestic incident.
William Murdoch took the large dog by its collar and said, “f***ing get them, boy’ while pointing towards the officers in Methil’s Memorial Road.
The 32-year-old was later arrested and continued with a “torrent” of threats and abuse as he was taken to Kirkcaldy police station, the town’s sheriff court heard.
The offence happened at around 10:30pm on February 16 last year.
Tried to set dog on police
Fiscal depute Amy Robertson told the court a witness had called police to report an incident involving Murdoch and a former partner.
When police arrived, Murdoch was standing outside holding a single bed frame, which he rested on the door.
The fiscal depute said: “Officers asked the accused to speak but he refused and told officers to ‘f**k off’.
“At this time, the accused was bent over holding a large black and white dog by its collar.
“He let the dog go and said, ‘f***ing get them, boy’ and pointed at the officers.
“The dog ran towards the officers but did not bark, growl or bite at them”.
Ms Robertson said Murdoch retreated upstairs to his home address while calling the dog back but police repeatedly said they needed to speak with him.
The fiscal continued: “The accused repeatedly told police to ‘f**k off’ and stated,’ you are no’ getting in, I’ll f***ing smash yous’.”
She said Murdoch, of Methil‘s Keir Hardie Street, was then arrested and continued to shout and swear as he was taken into a marked police vehicle.
No further details of the dog were given in court.
‘Completely outrageous’
Ms Robertson added: “He was thereafter conveyed to Kirkcaldy police station and on the way continued with a torrent of threats and abuse towards officers.
“He was later cautioned and charged in relation to that offence and made the response: ‘We will see what David Bell has to say about that’.”
Defence lawyer David Bell told the court instructions were given to resolve a plea.
Murdoch appeared in court to admit behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards police officers by shouting, swearing, threatening to set his dog on them, making threats of violence towards them and their families, acting aggressively and challenging them to a fight.
He also pled guilty to a second charge of breaching a bail condition not to contact a named woman, between September 9 and 16 last year.
Mr Bell said Murdoch’s reaction to police was “completely outrageous” but fortunately the dog caused no harm.
The solicitor said the remarks to police were fuelled by drinking alcohol on top of prescribed medication, as well as taking non-prescribed Diazepam.
Mr Bell said his client, who has learning difficulties, has been dealing well with an existing community payback order in relation to another conviction.
Sheriff Robert More fined Murdoch £195 in relation to the threatening or abusive behaviour.
Murdoch was admonished in relation to the bail breach.
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