AN ALLOA man who resisted police officers before making threats of violence, racist comments and abuse remarks on religion, has avoided a jail sentence.

Jamie Smith, 23, of Queen Street, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday, March 11, where his behaviour was described as "utterly unacceptable".

He admitted that on June 21, at Craighorn Road, Alva, and in a police vehicle he acted aggressively towards police officers, shouted, made offensive remarks, racist remarks, religiously-offensive remarks and made threats of violence.

He also admitted that at Craighorn Road, he resisted two officers and struggled with them.

Defence solicitor Larissa Milligan said: "He accepts this was terrible behaviour and especially in the middle of a pandemic. He knows the court will take a very dim view of this behaviour.

"There is a background of substance misuse issues, primarily alcohol and cocaine. He displays remorse for his behaviour."

Sheriff Craig Harris told Smith: "This was in the first lockdown when police officers like others were in a vulnerable position.

"This behaviour was utterly unacceptable and has brought you close to going to prison."

However, the sheriff imposed a community payback order with 12 months of supervision and a five-month restriction of liberty order.