A SHERIFF has jailed a man for threatening ambulance staff, claiming a "clear message" needs to be sent to anyone abusing emergency service personnel.

Andrew McPhee repeatedly shouted "f**k you" at paramedics as they tried to help a family member on September 22 last year.

Alloa Sheriff Court heard on Thursday, February 27, that the pair had been out drinking on the date in question, but the woman eventually collapsed in Alloa's Shillinghill area at about 9pm.

Emergency services were contacted, and two ambulance personnel immediately tried to help her when they arrived.

But, according to prosecutor Susannah Hutchison, 28-year-old McPhee repeatedly tried to pull her away from them.

He also raised his hand up to the paramedics' faces, with his middle finger raised, before swearing at them.

Eventually, he left the area, only to return and climb into the ambulance – blocking attempts to get the woman inside the vehicle.

Fearful for their safety, the paramedics contacted police, and McPhee was arrested soon after.

He previously pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and obstructing emergency workers, and sentencing was deferred until last week for reports.

In court last week, solicitor Cheryl Ferguson said McPhee is dependent "on excessive alcohol consumption".

Referring to the night of the offences, she said he was acting "out of concern".

She then tried to claim her client would be suitable for a community payback order with supervision.

However, Sheriff Craig Harris interrupted, and went through McPhee's lengthy criminal record.

He said: "With the exception of 20 months, he has been subject to supervision for eight years.

"Since being subject to the first probation order, he has committed 22 offences – six of which involve assaulting or obstructing police officers.

"The time for alternatives to custody is at an end."

The sheriff then told McPhee: "I consider these offences very serious.

"You have multiple previous convictions, including for assaulting and obstructing police officers; emergency personnel need to be protected."

He added: "A clear message needs to be sent about what will happen if these offences occur."

McPhee, of Argyll Place in Alloa, was then jailed for 115 days.

After he was led to the cells, a woman stood up and started shouting at the sheriff from the public gallery.

She was removed from the court by a police officer, and could be heard shouting: "It's the wrong decision."