A man who sang Flower of Scotland at a Carlisle city centre police constable while drunk before headbutting him in the face, has appeared in court.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today that a report was received, on the afternoon of November 15, that a man was acting in an abusive manner at the Shanghai restaurant on Botchergate.
Officers attended and located 38-year-old Stuart Klose outside the premises. One police constable spoke with Klose, who was drunk.
“He was abusive to the officer, asking where he was from and singing Flower of Scotland. He also asked ‘have you ever been knocked out by a Scottish man?’,” said prosecutor Diane Jackson.
“He then shouted ‘come on then’ repeatedly. The officer pushed him against a wall and informed him, if he didn’t calm down, he would be arrested.
“As he released Mr Klose from the wall, he headbutted the officer, causing his lip to burst.”
Attempts were made to detain Klose, who then punched the officer multiple times to the chest. No injury was caused as a result of those punches.
Klose was arrested, taken into custody and when brought to court admitted being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker by beating.
He was sentenced following the preparation of a detailed pre-sentence report by a Scottish probation officer.
“It shows this behaviour was totally out of character for this gentleman,” said defence solicitor Duncan Campbell, mitigating, of Klose.
“He has little recollection of events. He has seen some CCTV of the incident and was completely appalled by his conduct — and surprised that he had behaved his way.”
After considering all submissions, magistrates concluded they would impose a community penalty and not impose a prison sentence.
Klose, of Jericho Close, Heathhall, Dumfries, was given a Scottish payback order through which he must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work. In addition he must pay the police constable £150 compensation.
