A CLACKS man branded a sheriff "scum" after being remanded in custody last Thursday.

Niam Hodgson mouthed off in the dock after being told he would be locked up for the next few weeks.

The 23-year-old failed to show for an appointment with psychiatrists ahead of his sentencing diet at Alloa Sheriff Court on March 9.

His lawyer pleaded for the court to allow Hodgson another opportunity to comply with those compiling the report.

However, Sheriff Wyllie Robertson was unimpressed with the explanation given and ordered he be remanded in custody to ensure his attendance.

After hearing the news, Hodgson lashed out at and shouted "scum" in the direction of the sheriff.

He was then told to be quiet by the police officer in the court and advised to show more respect.

But Hodgson continued in his protestations, swearing at bench from the dock, before then being forcibly removed from the courtroom.

He was due to be sentenced for acting in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting a 17-year-old by seizing him by the neck during an altercation at a property on Woodlea Gardens, Sauchie, on May 31 last year.

The courts had previously called for the psychiatric report, which would guide the sentencing sheriff in dealing with him.

Hodgson, whose address was given as Kilncraigs, Alloa, will return to the court later this month for sentencing.