A MAN who made sectarian remarks and threatened to bomb police officers, has been caged.

Philip Hendry, of Moy Court, Grangemouth, admitted to acting in an abusive manner towards members of the public and police officers, as well as uttering abusive, sectarian remarks on January 16 at Ayr Bus Station, Sandgate and Ayr Police Station.

He also admitted assaulting a member of the public by spitting on him and kicking a police officer on the head.

The 35-year-old appeared from custody before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Jennifer Harkins, explained: “It was 8.20pm and the accused was at Ayr Bus Station. He began to shout and swear at members of the public.

“A [witness] who was there, was spat on by the accused and called a “f*nian b**tard”. The accused stated he was going to stab everyone and said he was going to get everyone killed by the UDA (Ulster Defence Association). The accused then approached a witness who was working at the bus station and headbutted a bus [vehicle’s] window.

“The police were contacted and on arrival, they were told that the accused wasn’t there but could be heard shouting around from the bus station.

“The accused was heavily intoxicated shouting about the UDA and told the police officers to “f**k off”.

“When the police officers approached the accused, he was aggressive towards them and said he was going to get the UDA to bomb the police office, calling them “f*nian b**tards”. When taken towards the police vehicle, he tried to head butt officers and struggled violently. The accused then struck an officer in the face.

“He was taken to Ayr Police Office but was not cautioned and charged due to his behaviour. The police officer had to be taken to Ayr Hospital and he had bruising and a laceration to his lip.”

Speaking on Hendry’s behalf, defence solicitor Mandy Stewart, said: “Mr Hendry understands that alcohol is an issue for him and he accepts that.

"He advises me that he has little recollection of the incident but does recognise it was completely inappropriate. He indicates that he is motivated to sort out his alcohol issues and he is fully aware that he faces a custodial sentence.”

Sheriff Mactaggart, asked: “Did he know the complainer?”

Ms Stewart replied: “Not as far as I am aware.”

Sheriff Mactaggart address Hendry and said: “What really concerns me is the way you conducted yourself and the dreadful assault on the police officer.”

Hendry was sentenced to 30 weeks in jail.