Accused threatened helpful police officers

Drunken behaviour "disgraceful" sheriff tells Thurso man

A SHERIFF took exception to what he described as "disgraceful" threats a Thurso man made to police officers trying to help him.
Francis McPhee, 23, was remanded in custody at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday, after he appeared from custody and admitted threatening and abusive behaviour at the local police station, on September 23.
The court was told that the constables received a report, about a drunk man, in Thurso, and located McPhee. But they were concerned about his condition so they took him to hospital.
However, shortly afterwards they received a call from staff informing them that McPhee was refusing to remain in their care. With no-one available to look after him, officers took him into custody where he became abusive, shouted and swore and made obscene threats about what he would do their families.
David Barclay, prosecuting, commented: "It was scant thanks to the police who had looked after him." The senior fiscal added that McPhee clearly had a drink problem.
Remanding him "in the public interest", Sheriff Andrew Berry took account of the fact that the accused was subject to bail and a community paid back order, as well as the "disgraceful way" he had spoken to the police trying to help him.
McPhee, of 6 Macpherson Walk, Thurso, will reappear for sentence on October 17 when the sheriff will see a background report.