AN ALLOA man has been locked up after threatening to kill police officers and their families.

John Russell launched into the vitriolic tirade after he was arrested for abusive behaviour towards his mother.

The 32-year-old later said he would shoot the cops’ families as he “knew where they lived”.

The incident took place at a property on Backwood Court, Clackmannan, and at Falkirk Police Office on June 19 this year.

Russell admitted the offence at Alloa Sheriff Court the following day and was remanded in custody.

He then appeared again on Thursday, July 13, for sentencing where the court heard he was already subject to a community payback order at the time of the offence.

Fiscal depute Susannah Hutchison said that police were responding to an anonymous report of an ongoing argument at the property and heard Russell shouting at his mother from within.

She said: “Officers could hear a male voice shouting inside.

They knocked on the door and the accused let them in.

“The accused’s mother said he had been shouting at her for hours and wanted him removed.

“After the situation was calmed, it was agreed that the accused would go to bed for the night.”

Police then left the property and waited outside for a few minutes to monitor the situation.

However, when they heard a male voice shouting and issuing threats, the officers returned to the door and arrested Russell.

During his escort to the police station and while at the charge bar, he made continued threats to officers.

He said: “I’ll bite your f***ing nose off,” and: “I’ll do you and everyone you care about.”

Russell then threatened: “I’ll shoot you and your family, ’cause I know where they live.”

Kelly Howe, defending, said Russell had previously been engaging with alcohol counselling but appeared to have suffered a “relapse” on this occasion.

She added: “He is now presenting as more honest with himself and is describing himself as an alcoholic.

“He’s been assessed as motivated to change and he seems to have a great desire to get back on track and to engage with his current order.

“He’s never had a positive relationship with his mother, though that does not excuse his behaviour towards her in the least.”

While sentencing, Sheriff David Mackie told Russell: “I have heard a very persuasive argument on your behalf but I feel this offence needs to be marked with a steeper degree of punishment. You just went over the limit on this.”

Russell, of Shetland Court, was handed a four-month prison term, which will be backdated to June 20.

The sheriff added: “I impose this sentence in the knowledge that there shall be support available for you upon your release.”