A FAIFLEY man threatened to stab police officers and called them “f***** b*******” in the street.

James Moffat appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on February 14 after previously pleading guilty to being abusive to officers on two dates last year.

Fiscal depute Sarah Healing told the court a member of the public called the police after spotting the 27-year-old causing a disturbance on Waulking Mill Road on August 6. 

When police arrived he began to shout, swear and call them “unpleasant names” despite being warned to stop.

Police determined Moffat, formerly of Waulking Mill Road but now of Faifley Road, was heavily intoxicated.

Ms Healing said: “He repeatedly referred to police as ‘f***** b*******’. He was warned about five or six times, however he continued.”

Moffat was taken to Clydebank police office where a search found he was in possession of herbal cannabis. 

He was released on bail, but went on to carry out a similar attack on police in Craigielea Street for an unrelated manner at 12.30am on October 2. 

He immediately became hostile, shouting and swearing at officers, and repeatedly threatening to stab them. 

Ms Healing added: “He was placed under arrest and began calling them ‘f***** b*******’ and threatened to break their jaws.”

Moffat’s defence agent told the court her client was so intoxicated he could not recall either incident, but she assured Sheriff William Gallacher he did not view his drunken state as an excuse.

She said: “The reason he has been drinking so much is to do with his mental health and an increase in his anxiety. He has made attempts to address that. He does take responsibility.”

However, Sheriff Gallacher was unimpressed, branding Moffat’s behaviour “unacceptable” and adding: “He was fortunate enough to be released on bail and then weeks later he behaved in an almost identical manner.

“He simply seems unable to stop offending and causing damage to the community.”

Moffat’s solicitor said her client had taken “more positive steps” to address his issues but was concerned he would be vulnerable should he be jailed due to his mental health issues.

Sheriff Gallacher imposed a sentence of 150 hours of unpaid work to be carried out within nine months, placed Moffat under social work supervision for two years, and ordered him to attend alcohol treatment as punishment for the August offence. 

Sentencing on the October offence was deferred until June 27 to review Moffat’s progress with the first order.