An oil worker celebrating his last night on land before heading offshore for three weeks got so drunk he racially abused a police officer in a shopping centre.
Matias Barrezaca swore, shouted and “uttered racist remarks” at constable Mark Hayton in front of shoppers at Union Square on a midweek night.
The 28-year-old was spotted by officers at around 7.50pm on Tuesday, February 10, who noticed he was “under the influence of alcohol” and “agitated”.
Fiscal depute Sandy Hutchison told Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday that when he was approached by police, Barrezaca, who is originally from Bolivia, did not respond well.
“He was swearing at the police officers and given a number of chances to stop,” he said.
The court heard Barrezaca was given a “final warning” but continued to make racist remarks towards the constable.
He was eventually arrested.
“It comes as no surprise that there were a number of people within Union Square who were aware of his shouting and swearing,” said Mr Hutchison.
The court heard that Barrezaca, of Rose Cottage, Garlogie, Skene, was due to leave the north-east the next day to complete a three-week stint offshore and had been out enjoying his last night of freedom.
The offshore worker was described as a “genuine first offender” by his solicitor, who said his client knew that his “undignified” behaviour was no excuse for his crime.
The court heard Barrezaca “deeply regretted” the way he had acted and offered his apologies to everyone involved.
His solicitor said his client appreciated that police officers should not be subject to such behaviour while on duty.
Sheriff Alison Stirling credited Barrezaca for entering a guilty plea at an early stage.
“Between everything that has been said about the circumstances and hearing everything said on your behalf, given the circumstances I fine you £100, which takes into account your plea of guilty,” she said.