A man with an “anti-police” attitude was taken back to his mum’s house in leg restraints by officers following a foul-mouthed rant and struggle in a field.
Ethan Clark repeatedly grappled with officers and shouted abuse on numerous occasions when they tried to speak to him, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard.
Fiscal depute Lydia Ross told the court about a string of incidents involving the 20-year-old.
At 9.14am on April 24 2021, police attended at Clark’s Newmachar home regarding his involvement in another matter but he “refused” to leave his bedroom or come downstairs to speak to officers.
‘He recognises his conduct was unacceptable’
When he eventually complied he was “clearly under the influence”, unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and smelling of alcohol.
On being told officers wanted to speak to him about the incident, Clark turned and began to walk back upstairs while “shouting and swearing” at them.
Officers tried to apply handcuffs but Clark shouted “you’re not arresting me” and started resisting arrest, pushing the officers and flailing his arms.
On another occasion, around midnight on June 5 2021, police traced Clark in a large field near Canmore Gardens, Kingseat, and tried to speak to him about another incident.
Ms Ross told the court: “The accused attempted to run away from the police while shouting ‘f****** pigs’.”
Hurled homophobic abuse
Further slurs followed when officers took hold of him to stop him from getting away.
On being arrested, Clark started to struggle, waving his arms and pushing officers.
Eventually, he had to be “dragged” to the waiting police van.
He was eventually taken to his mother’s address in leg restraints due to staffing issues at the police station.
At 3.20am on April 17 2022, police were called to a “large fight” on Union Street.
When officers arrived they found Clark with a face injury, seemingly as a result of involvement in the skirmish.
But when they tried to apply cuffs, Clark resisted, tensing his body and thrashing his arms.
On being placed in the police van he kicked the cell door and shouted incoherently.
He then shouted a homophobic term towards an officer.
‘They were responding to the way you were behaving’
Clark, of Gallica Drive, Newmachar, admitted three charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and two of resisting, obstructing or hindering police.
Defence agent Andrew Ormiston said: “There’s clearly an element of attitude which is anti-police being displayed by Mr Clark, perhaps born out of discussion with his peers.
“He recognises his conduct was unacceptable.
“During these incidents, while it’s accepted he was fuelled by alcohol, he feels the police were perhaps heavy-handed with him.”
Mr Ormiston said Clark’s parents were of a similar view after their son had been returned to them with leg restraints after one of the incidents.
He added Clark had “significantly curtailed his alcohol use” since the offences.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston told Clark: “You may consider the police were being heavy-handed, but they were responding to the way you were behaving.”
She handed him 90 hours of unpaid work and six months of supervision.
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