A hospital cleaner has admitted spitting in a police officer’s eye stating he “could be riddled with all sorts.”
Vile Aidan Bowie, 23, was taken to the A&E department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital on July 11, last year after a member of the public saw him drunkenly walk down the middle of the road towards oncoming traffic.
After refusing treatment at the hospital, Bowie of Murray Place in Barrhead, was arrested and spat at PC Laura Gardner in the eye.
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Prosecutor David McDonald told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Shortly after midnight, PC Elliott was in the accident and emergency department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital due to an unrelated matter.
“PC Elliott was spoken to by a member of public who had taken the accused to the hospital as she had concerns for his welfare.
“The accused was heavily intoxicated and the member of the public had found him in the middle of the road walking towards incoming traffic.”
Court heard PC Elliott made several attempts to engage with out-of-control Bowie, as did several members of hospital staff.
Due to Bowie’s “deterioration” in behaviour, he was arrested and taken to a local police station.
Mr McDonald explained: “About 00.40am, while within the police vehicle, Mr Bowie spat on PC Gardner which made contact to her eye.
“He was informed he was under arrest and a spit hood was applied and taken to Greenock police station and processed.
“While being processed, Bowie was asked the usual care and welfare questions, and was asked if he had any infectious disease.
“Bowie replied, ‘probably’ and began laughing.
“He did not seem to care about this as he continued laughing.”
Officers asked selfish Bowie to desist and made him aware of the “gravity” of the question having spat at a police officer.
Mr McDonald added: “Bowie then replied, ‘Well I dunno, cause I’ve been pumping all sorts so I could be riddled with all sorts.’
“Mr Bowie was reminded of the severity of the matter and he stated, ‘I don’t know.’”
Defence solicitor Rhona Lynch told how the Queen Elizabeth Hospital cleaner had no previous convictions and reports may be necessary.
On sentencing, Sheriff Brian Mohan told the court: “You’ve no previous convictions, and you’re 23.
“But this kind of behaviour of spitting in a police officer’s eye and recklessly stating you may have an infection at a time when covid restrictions were in place is concerning.”
Sheriff Mohan adjourned the diet to call for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment until May 30.
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