Helensburgh man made racist and homophobic remarks to police

George Mundie's outbursts were also homophobic in one of the first prosecutions under the new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

The new legislation came into force in April and updates existing laws that punish racist, sectarian or homophobic comments or actions.

Fiscal depute Euan Nicholson said police attended the 34-year-old's Bain Crescent home at around 11.50pm on April 25 in connection with another matter.

"As soon as the accused noticed them, he began shouting and swearing in their direction," Mr Nicholson told Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

"He had to be handcuffed due to his aggressive nature and was removed into the rear of a marked police vehicle.

"And during the course of the journey, he continued in an abusive manner towards officers while kicking the van door."

He called officers, "English c***s" and made threats of violence towards them. He also made the homophobic slurs of "f****ts" and "p***s".

Mundie also said the officers were "not welcome within Scotland".

He pleaded guilty at his first appearance in court to acting in a racially aggravated manner which caused or was intended to cause two officers alarm or distress.

He acted in an aggressive manner, shouted, swore and repeatedly uttered racially abusive remarks and refused to desist despite repeatedly being requested to do so.

His behaviour was contrary to section 3(1)(b) of the new Hate Crime Act, and the offence was aggravated by prejudice related to sexual orientation.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Paul said his client, an electrician, was "quite a slight man" and "he and spirits do not particularly mix".

He said: "He had drunk too much after working all day.

"He realises officers are only doing their job. He has refrained from partaking in alcohol."

Sheriff Shirley McKenna said: "This is not acceptable."

She fined Mundie £400 plus a £20 victim surcharge.