Mechanic who chewed police officer's hand and wrist jailed

A mechanic who chewed a police officer’s hand and wrist has been jailed for 14 months.

Patrick Miller also struck the face of a female officer in Glasgow’s Cessnock area in June this year.

The 41-year-old, who owns a garage, had earlier gestured to them in an aggressive manner.

On Friday, the dad-of-one pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assaults to the officers’ injuries.

A hearing was told police were goaded by Miller on Paisley Road West before he ran at PC Varyse Spence.

Prosecutor Mark Allan told the court she was punched near her jaw which caused a small wound on her lip.

He then struck further punches to the officers before attempts were made to restrain him.

Mr Allan added: “Miller repeatedly bit PC Ewan Farrell on his left wrist and repeatedly attempted to headbutt him.

“He repeatedly kicked his legs landing kick on both officers.

“Miller repeatedly attempted to strike PC Farrell on the head and body with his elbow and bit his left hand to try and get him to remove his grip.”

Miller was eventually taken into custody as the officers received medical assessments.

PC Spence was found to have a bloody lip as well and swelling to her arms and legs.

PC Farrell also had swelling to several areas of his body as well as bite marks which “rendered him liable to risk of illness and infection” due to the pandemic.

Jim Roberton, defending, told the court he had no recollection of the incident and apologised to the officers.

He added: “He has been out of prison since 2008 and built up his successful business called Ibrox Tyres.

“The garage closed due to the pandemic and then he was arrested.”

Sheriff Johanna Johnston QC told Miller that he was fortunate that he didn’t cause a greater injuries to the officers.

She said: “They have the difficult task of public order and you assaulted them and were beyond reason.

“You will take responsibility for that and you brought this on yourself.

“This was an appalling attack on the officers to their injury.”