Ross-shire roofer's clemency plea after spitting in face of police officer
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A 26-year-old Ross-shire roofer who spat on a policeman's face asked for clemency from a sheriff as he recognised he was at a "crossroads in his life".
Patrick Stewart, formerly of Ord Road, Wester Moy, Marybank appeared for sentence at Inverness Sheriff Court after previously admitting threatening or abusive behaviour and making derogatory remarks towards two police officers at his home on November 24, 2022.
He also pleaded guilty to assaulting one of them by attempting to butt him, attempting to spit and spitting on his face on the same date and location.
Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told Sheriff Sara Matheson: "He accepts this behaviour was highly inappropriate and wants to apologise to the officers concerned.
"He spent a period in custody which afforded him the opportunity for reflection and he knows he is at a crossroads in his life. He is asking for clemency and the chance to be rehabilitated so I am asking that a custodial sentence not be imposed.
"He has a job offer as a roofer and a tenancy in Dingwall," Mr Latif added.
Sheriff Matheson told Stewart: "These are serious matters but I am satisfied I can deal with them without custody."
Stewart was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid community work and was placed under two years of social work supervision.
