A MAN who uttered “vile” abuse at police officers including threatening to murder them has been spared jail.

Declan Dunion of Howatshaws Road, Bellsmyre, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Wednesday for sentencing.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by shouting, swearing and acting aggressively towards police officers, and struggling violently last October 6.

He also pleaded guilty to spitting at an officer while at Clydebank police office.

Fiscal depute Sarah Healing told the court: “At around 12.20am police officers were asked to attend by the householder after a disturbance. Officers attended and found the accused in his bedroom pretending he was asleep.

“When the officers started talking to him he was heavily intoxicated. He began shouting and swearing to ‘f**k off ‘and ‘get the f**k out of here.’ He was warned repeatedly about his conduct but failed to stop and was arrested.

“He started to lash out with his arms and legs, and a fast strap was applied.

“As he was being removed from the property, he continued shouting and swearing and made comments including ‘Once these handcuffs are off I’m going to f*****g murder you.’ He was conveyed to Clydebank police office. Within a cell the accused spat with the spittle landing on an officer’s leg. A spit hood was applied.”

Ms Healing read out various comments that threatened police officers and their family members with threats and sexual violence.

They cannot be repeated in this newspaper they were so awful.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Paul said that Dunion is a young man with a strong work ethic.

He added: “He left school at 16 and has worked full time since. He is from a strong family background and his behaviour was odd and worrying.

“He really was quite shocked when I went over the disclosure with him. I would ask you to consider if there is an alternative to custody available.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “Officers doing their job were subject to abuse, utter vile abuse. You were persistent in the aggression and disgusting comments.

“If you had any criminal history I would have thought that I couldn’t avoid a custodial sentence. I am able to find an alternative but it’s a close call.”

Dunion was ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work within nine months.