Man lashed out in Inverness in bid to get sent to jail
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A homeless man wanted to go back to jail because he had nowhere else to go so created a disturbance in a hospital and assaulted staff at a supermarket.
Liam Macdonald got his wish when he appeared by video link before Sheriff David Harvie and was jailed for a total of 14 months, for what the sheriff described as "utterly reprehensible behaviour."
Inverness Sheriff Court heard about the first incident on February 4 when police and passers-by tried to help the 33 year old because he was so intoxicated.
Macdonald was unsteady on his feet and staggering about Inverness city centre and became belligerent when a motorist stopped to help.
This resulted in him being taken by police to Raigmore Hospital because they were concerned for his welfare.
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Fiscal depute Robert Weir told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald: "He was left there and examined but he had no injury. When he was told this, it had the effect of angering him and he started shouting and swearing.
"There were a number of vulnerable patients in the A&E waiting room who were upset by him pacing about, swearing and shouting: 'I am going to bite you to death.'
"Hospital security staff had to become involved and he made threats towards them. He refused to desist and the police were called back. He was still abusive when the officers arrived."
Macdonald had his sentence deferred for a drug treatment and testing order but did not co-operate.
On April 4, Macdonald went into Asda in Inverness and staff suspected him of being about to steal alcohol.
Fiscal depute Sharon Ralph said he picked up some bottles and was told to return them but became agitated and tried to get out a fire escape.
"He repeatedly lunged towards members of staff and threw a punch at one of them but missed," she said.
Defending, Ian Jane told Sheriff Harvie: "He was homeless, had no income and wanted to go back to jail."
Sheriff Harvie told Macdonald: "Your behaviour in both instances was utterly reprehensible. In the hospital you conducted yourself in such a way that it caused fear and alarm for people who were there for emergency treatment.
"Then you are aggressive, threatening and violent towards people trying to do their job. Your record is appalling so there is no option but to impose a custodial sentence."
It was backdated to April 10 when Macdonald was remanded.
