A man who attacked police with a slingshot in a Highland town has avoided jail.
David Bourke, 28, unleashed a stone at an officer in a wooded walkway in the town – but it went “straight through his legs”.
The incident was described by Sheriff Andrew Berry as “a harrowing experience” for the officers involved who had to use CS gas to bring Bourke under control.
Bourke, of Macrae Street in Wick, admitted a charge of assault.
Wick Sheriff Court heard that the incident on December 29 last year began when revellers returning home from a night out in the town observed Bourke making his way towards Argyle Square with what appeared to be a slingshot.
It was described by fiscal Fraser Mathson as “a fairly powerful” weapon.
The revellers were surprised to see Bourke fire at a council CCTV system and contacted the police.
Two officers quickly attended the scene, with one becming a target for the missile from the accused’s slingshot, which landed on the ground behind him
Mr Matheson said: “The officer was concerned to say the least and was very fortunate because of his height, not to have been hit
“The officers took cover behind their patrol vehicle and saw Bourke point the slingshot in the Constable Shand’s direction.”
Bourke fled in the direction of Brown Place, Wick, but the officers gave chase and brought him under control with CS gas and handcuffed him.
Sheriff Berry said that he had taken the view that he could deal with Bourke without a custodial sentence – “but only just”.
The accused was order to carry out 300 hours unpaid work in the community – the maximum number that can be imposed – within 10 months.
