A GREENOCK man tried to spit on police after clashing with his neighbours following an Old Firm-fuelled row.

Rangers fan John MacDonald shouted homophobic abuse at two women at an address on Prospecthill Street, claiming they had provoked him over a period of time and played loud Irish music after discovering his football allegiance.

MacDonald attempted to gain entry to their flat ‘uninvited’, but the door was locked.

A fiscal depute told the court: “Both witnesses were extremely distressed by this behaviour and considered leaving, but remained as they could not easily relocate.”

The sheriff court heard that there was a young child in the property during the incident.

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Police were called and later found MacDonald, in his bedroom, where he was drinking alcohol.

The 38-year-old attempted to spit in the direction of and kick both officers before being arrested.

His defence lawyer Gerry Keenan told Sheriff James Varney that his client had previously been the victim of anti-social behaviour and threats from his neighbours.

Mr Keenan said: “He was thereafter subjected to loud Irish music which was played into the early hours of the morning.

“He found that his sleeping was being interrupted.

“He did attempt to resolve this amicably.”

The court heard that MacDonald has previously been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and that he takes daily medication for this.

Mr Keenan stated that his client often turned to alcohol to help him sleep around the time he was arrested, and that the combination of drink and medication left him ‘intoxicated most of the time’.

 

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He added that MacDonald was threatened by one of the complainers on his return from a shop on the day the offences took place, being told that their brother ‘was going to deal with him’.

MacDonald responded by saying he would have to get the police involved.

Sheriff Varney said: “That’s what he should have done.”

Mr Keenan replied: “He told me, ‘I’m not that kind of person.’”

MacDonald’s solicitor noted that his criminal record is ‘short’, but contains ‘significant matters’.

Sheriff Varney told MacDonald that his behaviour was no way to conduct himself in a ‘modern society’.

The sheriff added: “There was a young child in that house. It is unacceptable.

“Given your history, custody is at the forefront of my mind. I will see what the background of this case is and what your background is.”

MacDonald’s case was adjourned until June 8 to allow for the preparation of social work reports.

His bail has been continued in the meantime.