Man in Airdrie Sheriff Court after 'wrestling' police officers

Apr 29 2009 by Our Correspondent, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A COATBRIDGE man was sentenced to 100 hours’ community service for wrestling two policemen to the ground and assaulting one of the officers.

Derek Jarvie’s solicitor told Airdrie Sheriff Court that he (Jarvie) inexplicably panicked when the two officers approached him.

The 32-year-old, of Neidpath Avenue, was returning from a night out drinking with friends and was passing through the McDonald’s car park on Coatbank Way when the incident happened at 11.30pm on July 11.

Fiscal depute Peter Reid said: “The accused was approached in relation to another matter, but ran and was pursued by the officers.

“When caught, he struggled violently and lashed out with both arms, causing both police officers and himself to fall to the ground.

“He refused to be handcuffed, lashed out and grabbed one of the constables by the neck; the officer was left with bruising and reddening to the right side of his neck.”

Jarvie had been on bail at the time, but his solicitor Jonathan Paul noted: “He had no other matters outstanding, so he’s at a loss as to why he panicked.

“He had been drinking, and stupidly threw away a burger just beforehand, but can’t explain why he reacted in that manner.”

“There was a wrestle and then they fell to the ground; he appreciates that he can’t behave in that manner in relation to police officers, and has always previously co-operated. He is well thought of by his employer.”

Sheriff Petra Collins imposed the community service, and also fined Jarvie a total of £200 for missing a scheduled court appearance on October 13 and breaking a bail curfew.