A DUMBARTON man launched a torrent of verbal abuse at council workers who had arrived to shut down a ‘drinking den’.

Colin Smith became aggressive and initially refused to leave when asked to do so by the staff members when they called at the property on Second Avenue.

The 46-year-old previously pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and placing the two West Dunbartonshire Council employees of in a state of fear and alarm.

Smith, also of Second Avenue, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week for sentencing.

Jeanette Maclean, fiscal depute, told the court two employees from the council were called to the property at 9.20am on April 22 after receiving reports it was being used as a drinking den.

Ms Maclean said: “The [employees] attended and asked the accused and other witnesses to leave and not return.

“The accused, who was heavily under the influence of alcohol, answered the door and became instantly aggressive towards the witnesses.

“Both witnesses asked the accused to leave the property in five minutes because neighbours had complained. The accused tried to slam the door on the witness but was blocked by a shoulder.

“He became aggressive towards the witnesses and said ‘no f****** way am I going, get to f***’.” Police were contacted and arrived soon afterwards but Smith had already left the property.

At 4.30pm on April 22, officers traced him and he was arrested.

Bert Thomson, defending, said his client did not seek to make excuses for his behaviour and said: “He had taken a drink and got involved in something he did not need to get involved in.

“He accepts it is not justifiable behaviour.” Sheriff Craig Turnbull imposed a community payback order, requiring Smith to carry out 75 hours of unpaid work within three months.