AN ALLOA man who threatened to slash a police officer has narrowly avoided a jail sentence this week.

Mark Woods (31), of Mar Place, appeared at the town’s sheriff court on Thursday (19 February) for sentencing.

He had previous pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and to attempting to punch a police officer last summer.

His defence lawyer described his previous prison record as “depressing” but petitioned the court to consider a community disposal to allow him to give something back.

The offence took place on Tullibody Road, Alloa, on 23 August 2014.

Depute fiscal Ann Orr told the court: “At around 6.30pm, witnesses saw the accused walk up their drive way and attempt to open their back door.

“He didn’t manage to do this and then stumbled to the ground before jumping over the wall into the neighbour’s garden.

“He then re-appeared and was told by the homeowners to leave, but refused.

“One of the witnesses felt threatened by his actions and became concerned for the welfare of the children inside the house.

“She went back inside to call the police while the other witness accompanied the accused to the end of the driveway.

“At this point he was becoming increasingly concerned by the accused’s behaviour.

“Police then arrived and attempted to calm him down but he became agitated.

“He told officers: ‘I’m going to cut your face’, and later attempted to punched one of them.

“The accused remained in an agitated state throughout the police process.” When he was interviewed, Woods claimed he had been searching for his dog when he ventured into the two gardens.

His defence agent, from Gallacher Solicitors, said: “He accepts that this was not really the way to go about getting his dog back.

“He also recognises that this must have been a disturbing experience for those inside the house.

“Mr Woods has been in prison on a depressing number of occasions and has a substantial history of alcohol and drug abuse.

“He is keen to deal with this offence in community and is eager to take advantage of any formal support from the court.” Sheriff Gillian Wade told Woods that she had been considering a custodial sentence but opted to grant him a community disposal.

She said: “I have listened carefully to what has been said on your behalf and have given regard to the reports.

“While custody is in my mind, I am persuaded that this presents an opportunity for you to deal with this matter in the community and to undertake a community payback order.

“What I propose is to impose a supervision order for the next 18 months, with three-monthly reviews. There will also be a requirement for you to carry out unpaid work of 80 hours, and this is reduced from 100 hours due to your early plea.

“Failure to comply with this order will see you back in this court, at which case there will really only be one alternative.” Woods will have six months to complete the unpaid work order and will return to Alloa Sheriff Court in three months for a review.