Inverness beggar 'showered' police officer with urine

A homeless man who threw a tin of urine at a police officer will learn his fate next month.

Robert Stasiak was being escorted to his nearby room in a house of multiple occupancy in Church Street by police when his disgusting behaviour took place.

He had been begging in an Inverness city centre on April 5 last year.

After being arrested the 52-year-old spat at four custody officers who regularly checked on his welfare during their various shifts at Burnett Road Police Station.

Stasiak appeared via video link at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted two charges of assault, one included putting the custody officers at risk of Covid-19. Other charges, including a breach of virus-related regulations were dropped.

Fiscal depute David Morton told the court: “During the first lockdown, everyone was required to stay at home except for essential purposes. Officers were alerted to Stasiak begging on the street and attended to escort him to Corden House.

“He picked up a tin and threw it at one of the officers, striking him on the body armour and showering him with the liquid.

“In a cell at Burnett Road, the custody officers at various points were required to conduct welfare checks by opening the cell hatch and asking custodies if they are alright.

“If there is no response, then they have to enter the cell and check. Stasiak did not respond on various occasions, lying with a blanket over his head. In line with protocol, the officers pulled back the blanket and on each occasion he would spit at them.

“It did not land on any of them.”

Defence solicitor Graham Mann told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that his client had never been in jail before and a background report would therefore be required.

Stasiak was remanded and will re-appear on February 18.