A man has been ordered to wear an electronic tag after being found guilty of defecating in a police cell and writing “kill all cops” on the wall in his excrement.
Jonathan Murray was found guilty of a string of charges following a trial at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in September.
The 54-year-old was convicted of spitting at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary staff and police, as well as what he described as “a little bit of a dirty protest”.
The incident happened on October 6 2019.
‘Tramadol certainly didn’t help’
The case had been adjourned for background reports but Murray, who conducted his own defence during the trial and had to be warned not to shout at witnesses, has now returned to the dock to be sentenced.
Speaking in mitigation at the sentencing hearing, Murray said: “It’s been a long time since I have offended in such a manner and I do take some responsibility, but there has been provocation for other parts.
“Ultimately, I’m responsible for my own actions. Tramadol certainly didn’t help.
‘The most disgusting conduct’
“I requested my GP stop the opiates being given to me because they changed my personality from this to something you wouldn’t recognise.
“I live in a very good area with very good, friendly people and there are no problems there.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller pointed out that Murray has a “significant record for crimes of disorder”.
However, he said the social work report indicated a “correlation” between the period of offending and “a number of factors” in Murray’s personal life.
The sheriff described Murray’s antics at the police station as “the most disgusting conduct”, to which he replied: “I did a dirty protest. I regret that sincerely.”
Sheriff Miller imposed a five-month curfew as a direct alternative to custody, ordering Murray to wear a tag and remain at home between 8pm and 6am each day.
Asked to confirm his address, Murray did, before adding: “I wouldn’t like it to be advertised.”
Murray, of Ruthrieston Gardens, Aberdeen, was found guilty of all five charges against him, three of assault and two of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
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