Jailed for abuse

Six months for "absolutely disgraceful" conduct in hospital

A MAN who made an offensive remark about the recent fatal stabbing at Westminster, during his "absolutely disgraceful" conduct at a north hospital, has been jailed for six months.

Drink-fuelled Kenneth Mackay, 63, told police summoned, in a reference to the killing of Constable Keith Palmer - "Where were you when your colleague was getting slaughtered".

Mackay's behaviour was "entirely unsatisfactory" immediately he arrived at Caithness General Hospital. on April 11, a day after he was granted bail at Wick sheriff court. He was belligerent and staff contacted the police,

The accused subjected them to a tirade of abuse telling them they had two seconds to f*** off" and then made the reference to the London terrorist attack.

Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that Mackay repeatedly told the officers where to go and called one of them "a poof" as well as warning them he would get violent if they removed them from the hospital.

He admitted threatening or abusive behaviour and uttering offensive and homophobic remarks, and a record.

Solicitor Patrick O' Dea said that Mackay, of 17 Doune Court, Church Street, Macduff, was "completely ashamed" of his conduct. He had been released on bail after spending three days in custody without taking his Beta-blockers for a heart condition. Coupled with alcohol, it had "unleashed a negative side of his character".

Sheriff Andrew Berry was told that Mackay had "a serious drink problem"which seemed to be responsible for most of his previous offending.

The sheriff said he got the impression that when he wasn't drinking, the accused "presents as a calm, reflective individual". Describing Mackay's behaviour at the hospital as "absolutely disgraceful", Sheriff Berry said there was no alternative to a custodial sentence.

Mackay will be subject to 18 months supervision on his release, after he admitted a further charge of abusive behaviour in a Tesco branch in Banff, on 24 October, when staff refused to sell him a bottle of whisky.

During the supervision he will be banned from entering Caithness.