AN OFFSHORE worker bit a female police officer on the arm before spitting at another cop.

Jason Ramsay appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court this month following the incident on February 17, 2020.

The 42-year-old had been involved in a road traffic accident when police were called, and he was taken into custody at Govan police office.

Procurator fiscal depute Hazel Kerr said: “He began to act in an aggressive manner. Whilst being restrained, the accused bit a police officer on her left arm.

“He also spat at another officer, with the spittle landing on his clothing at the chest area.

“The accused was fitted with a spit hood and whilst in custody, he continued to act in an aggressive manner and had to be restrained. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

His defence solicitor said: “He had been involved in an accident in which there was fairly significant damage to his vehicle but there was no excuse for the way he behaved.

“He’s not a gentleman who’s got any previous convictions. He is assessed as being at low risk of reoffending.

“He has a full history of employment. He works offshore. He knows he should not have done this.

“The offence was February 2020, pre-pandemic. I don’t seek to minimise it, but these matters are treated more seriously in current times. I hope to persuade you this could be dealt with by a financial penalty.”

But Sheriff Charles Lugton replied: “Even before the pandemic, spitting was quite serious.”

The lawyer explained his client could carry out unpaid work.

Sheriff Lugton said: “You heard me say already these are serious matters. People are often sent to jail for this type of offence.

“You have no previous convictions and for that reason, I will deal with this in a non-custodial way.”

Ramsay, of Cumbernauld, was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.