Man who hurled disgusting racial and homophobic abuse towards police has been jailed

Patrick Hurrell was out on licence from a previous prison sentence when he taunted officers in the early hours of the morning and threatened to kill one PC.

The 32-year-old had been drinking with a pal for several hours when a neighbour called the police regarding the level of noise coming from Hurrell's house.

Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan said: "He himself was not responsible for the behaviour complained of, but he brought the spotlight on himself."

Prosecutor John Penman told Greenock Sheriff Court how Hurrell launched into a series of verbal tirades and also struck his head off the interior of a cell van.

Mr Penman said: "Officers spoke to the neighbour, who gave an account of what happened while the accused was in the police vehicle.

"The accused made a string of racially offensive and homophobic remarks, and said he would kill one of the police witnesses."

Solicitor Mr Keenan said that his client's 'fear of confined spaces' had heightened his diagnosed anxiety whilst in the cell van.

The lawyer said: "He has significant psychiatric issues and he is on medication regarding anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

"His friend did attend at his house and Mr Hurrell decided to accept an invitation to take alcohol.

"The combination of alcohol and medication exacerbated matters."

Mr Keenan added: "He is not a racist or homophobic and he apologises for what he said in the heat of an extremely difficult situation."

The court heard that Hurrell, of Finlaystone Road in Kilmacolm, now fears losing his two-year tenancy with social landlord River Clyde Homes in light of his latest offence on October 10.

Sheriff Daniel Kelly returned him to prison for the remaining 128-day period of his previous sentence and imposed a further 158 days.