A YOB who spat towards a police worker while being charged has been jailed for 14 months.

Andrew Hill, 42, assaulted support officer Caitlin McGurk at Aitkenhead Road office in April.

He was “unhappy” at his treatment while being held in custody. The court heard he became aggressive towards officers.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “He spat at Miss McGurk who quickly moved out the way meaning she wasn’t directly spat upon.”

Hill was grabbed by colleagues and a spit hood was applied.

Mr Allan told the court a “concerned” Miss McGurk was required to self-isolate for two weeks.

Hill pleaded guilty yesterday to the assault to Miss McGurk.

Gemma Elder, defending, told the court Hill apologises to the Miss McGurk and is “ashamed” by his behaviour.

Sheriff Joseph Platt said: “The victim of this was a civilian police officer who is vulnerable and on the front line.

“It is easy to see how frightening it is.

“This must have caused considerable alarm and the officer had to self-isolate and the public were restricted of her services.

“I don’t think anything other than a custodial sentence is appropriate.”