A SHERIFF has told a Clackmannan man who admitted assaulting a police officer that he will be admonished for the offence if he stays out of trouble over the next few months.

John Donald appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday (16 July) to face sentencing for punching the constable on the body and a separate charge of threatening behaviour.

He was praised for the “improvement” he has shown, and informed that should he continued in the same manner, he would be admonished.

On 24 November 2014, at the B&M in Alloa, Donald did behave in a threatening and abusive behaviour by shouting and swearing.

He then punched the officer repeatedly on the body and seized him by the body.

The court heard that Donald has a forthcoming case in Glasgow but his lawyer suggested there would be very little prospect of a conviction arising from the complaint.

On Thursday, sentence against Donald was further deferred to await the outcome of the other trial.

Sheriff William Wood told him: “In recognition of your good behaviour, should you appear before me again, passed the next date, I will admonish you.

“I am giving you the opportunity to demonstrate this good behaviour,” he added. “You’ve done well thus far so don’t spoilt it.” Sheriff Wood then recalled his bail order and told Donald to appear at his next court on 26 October.