A Barrhead dad who held a police officer in a chokehold with his legs and repeatedly punched him causing permanent scarring has been jailed.
Out-of-control Steven Rae assaulted PC Ryan Beveridge in July 2023 by seizing him by the neck with his legs and compressing his throat and neck.
On the same day, the 37-year-old thug shouted homophobic slurs towards police officers.
He claims he acted this way because his mental health had “dipped” causing him to get tanked up on booze.
Procurator fiscal depute Jason Stark told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 7.15pm, on July 21, 2023, police were contacted anonymously in relation to reports of a disturbance on Cross Arthurlie Street in Barrhead.
“Police witnesses exited their vehicles and the accused continued walking towards them in an aggressive manner, puffing out his chest and shouting, ‘what yous going to do’ and ‘I’ll f*****g do yous.’
“PC Beveridge and Wilson managed to get the accused to the ground and while trying to restrain him, the accused wrapped his legs around PC Beveridge’s neck and began choking him in a chokehold with his legs and was lashing out with both hands and elbows causing a cut to PC Beveridge’s top lip, while applying pressure to his throat and neck areas.
“PC Wilson activated his urgent assistance emergency button on his radio and PC Beveridge then took out his PAVA spray and managed to spray the accused with the irritant. As a result, the accused began releasing the pressure on the police officer’s head and neck.
“The accused was fast strapped and was shouting and swearing throughout. Towards PC Muir, the accused stated, ‘ya f*****g lesbian c**t.’
“He was then placed within a police cell van and taken to hospital to be checked over and was deemed fit to be discharged before being taken to Helen Street police office.
“PC Beveridge was treated at the Royal Alexandra Hospital after he suffered a 2cm laceration to the middle of his upper lip which required three stitches.
“It was noted that it was likely to cause permanent scarring. He also sustained several lumps to his face, slight blackening to his eye and reddening to his cheek and neck as a result.”
Rae’s defence agent told the court he was “deeply embarrassed” by his conduct and was “remorseful.”
He added: “He is a family man who has everything to lose. He accepts and understands the seriousness of the incident.
“He had a mental health dip and was drinking excessively at the time of the incident, but has taken steps and attends support twice weekly to address this.”
Sheriff Amel Elfallah slammed the thug, stating: “This was a very serious violent assault on a police officer while on duty.
“Among other things, you compressed his neck, restricting his breathing, causing him to require hospital treatment, and he has been left with permanent scarring.
“You have a record of violence and offence of disorder.
“I note your family circumstances and you accepted responsibility at the first opportunity. But in my view, given the serious nature of this offence, there is no appropriate alternative than a custodial sentence.”
Rae, of George Street in Barrhead, was caged for 16 months.
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