Nwicker60
27-May-15, 20:12
Resisting police led to "utterly outrageous" incident said sheriff
A WICK man has been warned by a sheriff to expect a stiff jail sentence after admitting an "utterly outrageous" incident in which he was responsible for an injury to a police officer..
Stephen Gemmell, 29, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and breaching a community service order for the third time.
Wick Sheriff Court was told today that the incident, on May 17, occurred when the police were executing a warrant for Gemmell's arrest for failing to attend his community service appointments.
Gemmell initially appeared co-operative when approached by officers in the Harrowhill area of Wick, but suddenly wrenched himself free from Constable Alastair Bryce. The officer was caught off balance, said fiscal David Barclay and fell against the police vehicle knocking his head. Gemmell, of 26 Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, ran away, but was subsequently apprehended.
Mr Barclay said that Constable Bryce was bleeding profusely and required treatment in hospital for a five-centimetre scalp wound.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gemmell was trying to address alcohol and substance abuse and appealed to Sheriff Andrew Berry to allow him to continue his efforts.
However, commenting on the accused's extensive record, the sheriff observed that Gemmell had served a prison term, previously, for police assault among other breaches of court orders and added that only a substantial prison sentence would be appropriate.
Sheriff Berry will see a background report on June 24 before sentencing Gemmell. He was remanded in custody meantime.
A WICK man has been warned by a sheriff to expect a stiff jail sentence after admitting an "utterly outrageous" incident in which he was responsible for an injury to a police officer..
Stephen Gemmell, 29, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and breaching a community service order for the third time.
Wick Sheriff Court was told today that the incident, on May 17, occurred when the police were executing a warrant for Gemmell's arrest for failing to attend his community service appointments.
Gemmell initially appeared co-operative when approached by officers in the Harrowhill area of Wick, but suddenly wrenched himself free from Constable Alastair Bryce. The officer was caught off balance, said fiscal David Barclay and fell against the police vehicle knocking his head. Gemmell, of 26 Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, ran away, but was subsequently apprehended.
Mr Barclay said that Constable Bryce was bleeding profusely and required treatment in hospital for a five-centimetre scalp wound.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gemmell was trying to address alcohol and substance abuse and appealed to Sheriff Andrew Berry to allow him to continue his efforts.
However, commenting on the accused's extensive record, the sheriff observed that Gemmell had served a prison term, previously, for police assault among other breaches of court orders and added that only a substantial prison sentence would be appropriate.
Sheriff Berry will see a background report on June 24 before sentencing Gemmell. He was remanded in custody meantime.