A MAN who threatened police and headbutted an officer has been fined £500.

Stewart Hanlon, 27, formerly of Ashton View, Westcliff, Dumbarton, was initially found lying on the ground around 9pm back on May 6, 2017.

But when police arrived on the scene, he became aggressive towards them, and so they put him under arrest.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last week how Hanlon, now of Dean Court, Pitlochry, Perthshire, shouted “Give me a f****** lighter” and other comments while en route to Clydebank police office.

Once there, he struggled with officers and they were left with no option but to take him to the ground.

When they lifted Hanlon back up, he lashed out and ended up headbutting an officer.

Following his arrest, he failed to appear at an earlier intermediate court diet.

Hanlon later pleaded guilty to missing a court appearance and to acting in an aggressive manner, struggling with police and assault.

Defence solicitor Gail Campbell said that since the incident, her client had been attempting to sort himself out, including gaining a full-time job where he is now apparently “thought highly of”.

Earlier this month, Ms Campbell told the Court: “He has not been consuming alcohol for 13 months. He seems to be able to get his head down and do his work.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said had the case been disposed of closer to the time of the offence nearly two years ago, he might have sent Hanlon to prison.

But he said he was satisfied that Hanlon’s “environment and attitude has changed dramatically”.

The Sheriff decided to keep him out of prison, and instead handed Hanlon the £500 fine.

He added: “May this by the end of your past life and you move on.”