Nairn mechanic injured police officers while resisting arrest in Balmakeith Drive garden

A Sheriff took pity on a motor mechanic after hearing his tales of woe following his arrest in Nairn last May.

Interim Sheriff Principal Eilidh Macdonald was told that Arnas Guazdauskas, of Balmakeith Drive, had been having ongoing family and financial difficulties at the time he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards two police officers.

The unemployed 32-year-old injured them slightly as he resisted handcuffs being placed on him.

The incident began in the garden of his home on the night of May 27 after Guazdauskas's partner became upset because he was drinking.

Fiscal depute Sophie Marshall told the court that the accused, who admitted the two offences, shouted aggressively at police who had been called to the property by Gauzdauskas's spouse as she was concerned about him.

"A police constable took hold of his arm as he made efforts to go away after telling him she wanted talk to him about another matter.

“He pulled away, and one handcuff was placed on his wrist.

"But he again pulled away, and the cuff struck her hand. He then tried to make sure he would not be cuffed on the other wrist and his his arm behind his body, he struggled with the officers and shouted and swore until the officer produced her PAVA incapacitating spray and warned him she would use it.

"He was then placed in the police vehicle but continued to shout and swear during the journey to the police station." Ms Marshall added.

Defence solicitor Marc Dickson told the court: "At the time, the family had a number of ongoing difficulties. He was medicated for depression, the car had broken down, and he was aware it was a costly repair which he could not afford.

"He also knew the family needed a car. He went home and took alcohol, which upset his wif,e and he went out to sit in the garden. His wife was concerned about him and contacted the police, and things developed from there.

"He has now sought help for his depression and is being treated for his alcohol problem." Mr Dickson went on.

Sheriff Macdonald noted Gadzauskas's demeanour in the dock and commented: "I can tell that you are not proud of yourself."

She decided to defer sentence until December 11 for him to be of good behaviour and told Guazdauskas that if he was, she would treat him leniently.