A DISQUALIFIED driver who was caught behind the wheel tried to punch a police officer who was arresting him.

Christopher Stirling, 39, was caught driving a van on Calder Street in Govanhill on March 31 last year.

He previously pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and to repeatedly attempting to assault an officer by punching him on the head and body.

On Thursday, he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court to be sentenced.

Glasgow Times:

The procurator fiscal depute said: “Police officers on patrol within a marked vehicle observed a white Ford Transit van travelling towards them.

“They attempted to stop the van to carry out checks. They signalled the driver to stop, and he did so.

“Police spoke with the driver, who was the accused, and who police witnesses recognised as a disqualified driver.

“The accused was thereafter informed he was under arrest. He attempted to pull away and attempted to throw a clenched fist towards the face of an officer in an attempt to punch him to the right side of the face.

“The accused then continued to lash out and he was taken back to the police office.”

Calder Street, Govanhill

Calder Street, Govanhill

Stirling’s solicitor told the court his client works as a manager of two businesses.

He added: “He’s suitable for unpaid work and a restriction of liberty order. He starts work at 7am and he can work as late as 8pm. I would ask if you could take into account that fact he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Sheriff Patricia Pryce told Stirling: “You have narrowly avoided going to jail, and with your record it is astonishing. I wouldn’t normally do this in these circumstances had it not been for your personal circumstances. This type of offending can usually be avoided.

"I will deal with this matter by serving a community-based punishment. This is such a serious situation so be assured that these orders are a direct alternative to custody.”

Stirling, of Canmure Street in Parkhead, was ordered to be under supervision for two years, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and stay within his home address between 8.30pm-6am for 120 days.

He was also disqualified from driving for 40 months.