A BOOZED-up Greenock man attacked a police officer to injury in the street and sparked a response from multiple PCs.

John Dorrian, 54, lashed out whilst in a 'highly intoxicated state' at Cathcart Street, the sheriff court was told.

Dorrian swung a punch the constable's head and missed, then proceeded to punch and kick him on the body.

Police had been alerted to the area regarding another matter, the court heard, before Dorrian carried out the assault.

Officers exited their vehicle and identified themselves as police before approaching Dorrian – who attempted to ‘make off’.

Fiscal depute Karen Yuill said: “Police witnesses asked him to remain where he was.

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Sheriff Court

“The accused lashed out without hesitation and attempted to punch a police witness to the face with a closed fist but narrowly missed.

“He then threw a second punch and struck to the chest and forcibly kicked him to the shin.”

Further police attended the scene, with Dorrian being arrested and later charged at Greenock police station.

The officer suffered swelling and bruising to his leg but did not require medical treatment.

After being charged, Dorrian said: “I didn’t realise I had done it. I’m sorry I did.”

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher told Sheriff Shelagh McCall that his client had ‘drank heavily’ following a change in medication, leaving him in a ‘highly intoxicated state’.

Mr Gallagher added: “His offending history is rather limited.

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“For what it’s worth, he’s asked me to repeat the apology that he tendered at the time when charged by police.

“He can appreciate with sobriety the responsible job police carry out without having to deal with people who put themselves in an intoxicated state.”

Dorrian had also been accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on William Street on the same day, as well as resisting and struggling violently with police officers - but the Crown accepted pleas of not guilty to both of these charges.

Sheriff McCall said: “The court treats any assault on a police officer seriously, but I notice you do not have a record of this sort of thing.”

Dorrian, of Lyle Road, was ordered pay a fine of £290.