A father-of-four experiencing a drug psychosis bit a police officer’s knee.
Joseph Bell had taken drugs on May 27 last year when he found himself in IKEA in Braehead, paranoid someone was chasing him with a knife.
The 36-year-old was taken to Renfrew Police station, where he behaved in an “erratic manner” shouting and swearing at police officers, causing “fear or alarm” before biting PC McCready.
Procurator fiscal depute Tracey Wight today told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 1.15pm on May 27, police were tasked to attend IKEA as the accused was in an agitated state, stating someone was chasing him with a knife.
“Around 6pm at Renfrew police station the accused was acting erratically stating, ‘they’re shining lasers at me, they’re trying to kill me.’
“While in a seated position, the accused bit PC McCready’s knee.
“The accused was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment as it was believed he was suffering from a drug psychosis.”
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Defence agent Ms Moore told the court her client “accepts responsibility and the seriousness” of the offence.
She added: “This can be categorised as a cry for help.
“He had never abused substances before and at this time he was suffering mental health difficulties.
“He consumed drugs, drugs he’s never consumed before and as a result he was admitted to hospital for four days and has little recollection of the incident.
“This has been a wake up call for him in seeking help.”
Ms Moore explained that since returning home to Uist in the Outer Hebrides, the father-of-four attended at a community psychiatrist, where he has since been prescribed medication.
Sheriff Kevin Duffy stated: “Intoxication through alcohol and other substances is not an excuse.
“It’s clear to me this was drug-induced and I am prepared to deal with this as a one-off.
“I hope it’s been a salutary lesson for you.”
Bell, of Eochar in South Uist, was fined a total of £450.
In addition, he was ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC McCready.
Payments were ordered to be paid at the rate of £50 per month.
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