A MAN who branded a police officer a "bald-headed poof" has been ordered to overcome his alcohol issues.

On Thursday at Alloa Sheriff Court, John Brown admitted stealing a television worth £199 from the town's Asda superstore on February 13 this year.

The 40-year-old also admitted shouting, swearing, uttering threats of violence, as well as homophobic and offensive remarks on March 5, 2017.

Fiscal depute Matthew Kerr stated that police were requested to attend at the accused's home address in Clackmannan's Backwood Court at around 5.20pm on the day of the second offence.

Brown, who had been assaulted, was assessed and received treatment from the medical service.

Due to the accused's intoxication, the concierge of the locus refused to let him stay the night.

Attempts were made to find Brown accommodation elsewhere, however he kicked off and began to shout and swear at the officers.

He menaced: "Away and f**k yourself", "I'll f**king murder yous all" and "f**k yous".

After refusing to desist, he was thereafter arrested and transferred to Stirling police station where he called an officer a "bald-headed poof".

Defending, Claire McCarron claimed that her client was deeply "ashamed and very remorseful" of his actions, but was that intoxicated he could not remember his torrent of abuse.

Ms McCarron reiterated that Brown had been assaulted and suffered significant injuries. Due to his heightened emotions, he reacted badly to the police.

Ms McCarron said: "Alcohol is a big problem for him."

Brown has since made attempts to turn his life around. He is now taking prescribed medication to combat his alcohol misuse and is engaging with his GP and Signpost Recovery.

Sheriff David Mackie sentenced Brown to a Community Payback Order with supervision for 12 months and a conduct requirement to attend alcohol counselling as directed.