Kilmacolm man who spat on police officer banned from driving

Ross Cochrane got into a vehicle after he had 'only one beer' but became 'overwhelmed' by the situation when police got involved, according to his lawyer.

The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing, and uttering threats of violence and offensive remarks.

He also admitted to driving without the correct insurance and failing to provide two specimens of breath for analysis at Greenock Police Office.

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher told Greenock Sheriff Court that the incident took place after Cochrane ‘hoped to move a vehicle legitimately’.

Mr Gallagher added: "He completely and inappropriately over-reacted.

“His behaviour was wholly unacceptable. It is not excused by his youth but that is a factor.

“Police officers should not be subjected to any such behaviour.

“It was disgusting.”

(Image: George Munro)

Mr Gallagher said Cochrane had only one previous conviction which had been dealt with by way of a financial penalty.

Cochrane was also charged with driving without due care and attention, failing to maintain control of the vehicle, and repeatedly mounting the pavement.

He was said to have struggled violently with two male police constables by repeatedly tensing and flailing his arms.

Cochrane was alleged to have driven without a valid test certificate, and to have refused to provide details to the police to identify him.

His not guilty pleas to those charges were accepted by the Crown.

The offences took place on Montgomerie Street in Port Glasgow on March 6 and 7.

Sheriff James Varney told Cochrane: “You behaved appallingly.”

Cochrane was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £210.

Sheriff Varney also sentenced him to 120 hours of unpaid work which must be completed within 12 months.

Cochrane, of Wateryetts Drive, will be under the supervision of the social work department for the same duration, and his licence has been endorsed.