A COP was knocked to the ground and left injured after a Helensburgh man ran at him during a street disturbance.

Adam Stevens, 24, who lives at an address in Buchanan Road, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week to be sentenced for two offences he had been convicted of, which took place in Helensburgh's West Clyde Street in July 2014.

As well as being sentenced for a conviction of assaulting the police officer, Stevens – a stone mason – was sentenced for a second offence of while acting with others; conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and crowding round the officers to prevent them carrying out their duties and acting in an aggressive manner.

Solicitor Bert Thomson pleaded with Sheriff Simon Pender not to impose a custodial sentence on Stevens.

The lawyer said in mitigation: "During the course of the two years (since the offences) he hasn't been in trouble at all my Lord. He has managed not to get involved with the police or the authorities for these two years. I would suggest that imposing a Restriction of Liberty order would be appropriate."

The solicitor admitted that such an order would be problematic in relation to Stevens' work.

He added: "He does have a very good job and is in the position to pay a fine and compensation. He can pay £50 a week on any fine your Lordship would impose. It would be my submission that Mr Stevens will not be back before the courts again. He is living in a law abiding way and can stay out of trouble."

Sheriff Pender called for a short recess to consider sentencing options and when he returned he told Stevens: "As you hear I was considering a custodial sentence or a direct alternative. I've considered the time that has passed and your employment which would create problems."

The sheriff imposed fines totalling £800 for the two offences and ordered Stevens to also pay compensation of £500 to the police officer, adding: "Any breach or default in the payments and you will be sentenced to an alternative of 45 days in prison."