A DAD whose relationship had broken down and whose sister was terminally ill spat "copious" amounts of saliva at cops during a drunken outburst.

Police approached Gary Graham on January 31 last year on Dumbarton Road as he seemed to be drunk.

They tried to persuade him to walk with them but he became aggressive, Glasgow Sheriff Court heard, and threatened them with violence.

He was arrested and on the way to Helen Street police station he repeatedly spat at the cops, who had to put a spit hood on him.

Depute fiscal Lauren Ram Sangray said: "The accused was believed to be intoxicated and when he spoke with the officers he was slurring his words and appeared to be trying to show aggression to the officers.

"Police officers tried to get the accused to walk with them and he refused to do so.

"He became aggressive and tensed up and pulled both his hands above his waist.

"He began to shout quite loudly and informed the police officers he wanted them to just kill him and do it quickly.

"He threatened them with violence and said he was going to do both of them in.

"He was thereafter conveyed to Helen Street where he continued to make threats, saying, 'Youse aren't five-oh, youse are dead men walking,' and 'I'm going to slash youse and make it quick'.

"The accused was in the police van and spat copious amounts of saliva."

Graham's defence brief said that at the time of the incident the 36-year-old's sister was in hospital for treatment for a brain tumour and passed away the following week.

He had also separated from the mother of his children, which had "brought pressure to bear".

The solicitor said: "I recognise you can't overstate the revulsion the court will have for behaviour of this kind.

"He has placed himself in a very difficult position.

"Due to his level of intoxication he could not understand the charges or give a response.

"At that time he was suffering from considerable stress and strains.

"His predilection of resorting to alcohol put him in a particularly bad place.

"He has taken steps to address the significant problem in his life with is alcohol and he is employed."

Sheriff Diana McConnell gave Graham a community payback order, placing him under supervision for 12 months.

He also has a conduct requirement mandating that he must engage with addiction services.

And Graham, from Clydebank, was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

She said: "This was a disgusting act, particularly spitting in that way towards the police officers, was absolutely appalling conduct and Mr Lafferty is entirely correct when he establishes my disposal in this case is finely balanced.

"The custody threshold is met.

"You do have a record of disorder, and against police officers."