A MAN warned police he was an Olympic taekwondo champion during a drink-fuelled tirade as he struggled to get home after a night out in Clydebank.

Mark Leathem, 24, ended up at the town’s police station after trying to get a taxi from Alexander Street to his home in the Gorbals on March 8 – with no cash.

The driver suspected he couldn’t pay and Leatham became “agitated” when challenged, leaving the cabbie with no option but to take him to police.

But when officers tried to help him at the station, Leatham – who appeared visibly under the influence of drink or drugs – slung a volley of abuse them including the bizarre Olympic boast.

But at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week, Leathem’s solicitor confirmed his sheepish client could not back up the claim.

He said: “He apologises, he has no recollection of the night and no Olympic aspirations.”

Fiscal depute Sarah Healing earlier told the court Leathem was under the influence of alcohol and maybe drugs, was hostile towards police, and had started shouting and swearing and became more aggressive when asked to leave the taxi.

He told the police to take him to his house and called them a********, smashed doors and continued shouting and using abusive language.

He was arrested but wouldn’t give his details and was not cautioned and charged.

Leathem’s defence solicitor, said: “He doesn’t know how much money he had but his mum, who has been very supportive and is here in court, would have paid the taxi.

“An argument developed and he told them [the police] to take him home."

He added: “He has stabilised on repeat prescriptions and has money to pay if a fine is decided.”

Sheriff John Hamilton said Leathem had two outstanding fines and noted that it wasn’t encouraging.

Leathem’s solicitor, responded: “They were not aware that the fines were outstanding and they will be paid in due course from his benefits. He does have these fines and that doesn’t do him any favours.

"He hasn’t paid the fines but this report suggests he has a very difficult life. He has support at home and has told me he is fit to work.”

Sheriff Hamilton, said: “The difficulty I have is your previous record. You have not paid your fines. I will take your word that you are fit enough to work.”

Leathem was ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work, reduced from 120. He will be supervised for 18 months.