Swastika-tattooed lout who gave a Nazi salute claims to know nothing about the Third Reich

Paul Best committed the 'abhorrent' offences at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

But he drew derision from the bench as he pleaded ignorance in court during a sentencing hearing.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton remarked: "It seems Mr Best has lived a sheltered life — ridiculous.

"He doesn't know anything about Nazis but has a swastika tattoo.

"Does he actually think people believe this rubbish?"

Best, 32 — who is today beginning a prison sentence — hurled vile slurs at officers and barked: "See that swastika. Each corner is for folk I've killed and yous are next."

Paramedics had gone to boozed-up Best's Belville Street home at 2.50am because he had a cut on his arm and they alerted police to his 'abusive' behaviour on route to A&E.

Best shouted at the officers: "I'll bite the nose right aff yous."

Greenock Sheriff Court heard previously how he was arrested as he raised his right arm in a Nazi salute.

He continued to shout and swear in the presence of patients and medical staff.

Best committed the offence on April 8 last year.

His lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, said: "Drink has been a major issue to the extent that there is reference to binge drinking over 15 years or so.

"Despite the reprehensible behaviour demonstrated, supervision and education may be appropriate."

Sheriff Hamilton asked: "Why raise his arms in a Nazi salute when he doesn't know anything about that?"

Mr Gallagher replied: "As stated in the background report, he has no recollection of the matter.

"The report refers to a vast quantity having been drank."

Sheriff Hamilton noted that Best has previous convictions for assault and breaching court orders.

He told him: "This sort of loutish behaviour at the hospital cannot be tolerated.

"I think you know exactly what a swastika represents.

"This was completely abhorrent behaviour.

"You will go to custody for six months."