Jail for headbutter

Four months behind bars for assault on police officer

A MAN, who head-butted a police officer, has been jailed for four months.

Geoffrey Williamson, 39, admitted the assault and a record, at Wick Sheriff Court today.

The court was told that two officers had reason to make for the town's High Street, on August 27, and approached Williamson in the course of their inquiries.

The officers advised him that they were detaining him and requested his name.

At that point, said fiscal Fraser Matheson, Williamson, of 9 Murrayfield, Castletown ,"lunged forward" and head-butted Constable Martin Ross inflicting a burst lip which started to bleed.

Mr Matheson added the officer didn't require treatment but was checked for concussion at Caithness General Hospital.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Williamson had little recollection of his actions having consumed an excess of drink.

Sheriff Andrew Berry described the assault on a police officer "going about his lawful duty", as "a serious matter".

The sheriff added that over-consumption of alcohol was no excuse and noting Williamson's extensive record, which included assaults, a custodial sentence was the only appropriate sentence in the public interest.