Quadruple amputee struck police with claw after using metal arm to break man's jaw

A quadruple amputee who injured a police officer after striking his face with his metal claw has been jailed for a year.

Thomas Proudfoot lashed out at the officer in Partick on January 12, 2024.

Proudfoot was enraged after officers attempted to get him into a cell van due to earlier trouble.

The 27-year-old had earlier used his metal arm to break a man’s jaw before attacking a police officer.

Proudfoot lost his limbs in 2012 after he was struck by a train in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire.

His injuries were so severe and life-threatening that he was left with prosthetic limbs including the false arm and metal claw.

Proudfoot pled guilty to his latest string of charges which include assaulting three police officers.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner aggravated by prejudice related to sexual orientation.

The court heard that Proudfoot was getting involved in a separate matter the officers had with another man near Partick train station.

Proudfoot shouted and swore at them then repeatedly refused to desist.

He was told he was under arrest and became aggressive – lashing out with his arms and legs – before he was restrained.

Proudfoot had also spat in the face of another officer.

Prosecutor Darren Harty said: “It became apparent that he was a quadruple amputee and was unable to be handcuffed as he has a hook on his right arm and the lower half of his left arm is missing.

“He also has two prosthetic legs.”

While a spit hood was applied, he shouted racist abuse at officers.

Officer attempted to get Proudfoot into a cell van when he kicked an officer violently to the body.

Mr Harty added: “He lashed out violently resisting, and struck [the officer] to the face with his metal hook, causing injury to the left of his face which bled.”

Proudfoot – who was found to be out on licence from an earlier matter – was later held in custody.

The officer attended hospital due to concerns over infection.