Man who behaved in erratic manner while in possession of imitation grenade avoids prison
A 39-year-old man who behaved in an erratic manner while in possession of an imitation grenade and firearm in the centre of Kelso, and then sexually assaulted and kicked a police officer while being apprehended has avoided a custodial sentence.
His solicitor explained he thought they would be interesting items to have in his home, and was heavily intoxicated on the day in question.
Jack Smith - who gave an address at Market Square in Coldstream - previously pled guilty behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in the Horsemarket area of Kelso on August the 31st last year.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard he acted in an aggressive manner towards two police constables responding to the incident – shouting and swearing, and struggling violently with them.
He also sexually assaulted one of the PCs by repeatedly touching her on the buttock and leg over her clothing, before kicking her on the body.
Sheriff Robert Fife noted the circumstances were “a little unusual” but pointed out the threshold of custody had been met.
He ordered Smith to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month supervision order, as a direct alternative to prison, and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
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