Jail for Wick man who obstructed paramedics

A repeat offender who assaulted a police officer and hindered paramedics treating a patient has been jailed for eight months.

In addition, Danny Smith (23) will serve a further two months representing the portion of a sentence outstanding for an unrelated offence, because he was freed early on licence.

Smith pleaded guilty to charges of police assault, obstructing paramedics and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, conduct that was described by Sheriff Andrew Berry as "unbelievably appalling" at Wick Sheriff Court on Monday.

The court heard that while paramedics were treating a patient in Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, last Thursday, they were being hampered by the interference of Smith, who ignored warnings from police officers.

Fiscal David Barclay said that the accused repeatedly shouted and swore at the officers and uttered threats.

Mr Barclay said that the police had received information that Smith had lost consciousness a short time before they arrived on the scene and, as they were concerned for his welfare, drove him to Caithness General Hospital.

The accused's disorderly behaviour continued there and he attempted to kick Constable Andrew Hardwick.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Smith, of Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, had been heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time and had received detoxification treatment for alcohol abuse while on remand. In addition, the accused had mental health issues.

Miss MacDonald appealed to Sheriff Berry to refrain from imposing a custodial sentence and consider unpaid community work as a direct alternative.

However, the sheriff said that a prison term was "the only appropriate way" to deal with the case.

The remaining two months of the accused's previous sentence, outstanding, will run consecutively with the eight months term imposed for Smith's latest offending. He also admitted a record.