A teenager spat in the face of a female police officer in Alloa in a “disgusting” incident.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on May 8 last year at Gaberton Avenue, Alloa, he assaulted a police officer by spitting on her face.

Defence solicitor Charlotte Watt said: “He was extremely intoxicated at the time and can’t remember what happened. He expresses his sincere apologies to the officer and to the court.”

Sheriff Neil Bowie told the youth: “You assaulted a female police officer by spitting on her face. That is a disgusting offence against anyone and in particular on someone who was just doing their job.”

He warned the offender that it was just his young age which had prevented a period in custody on this occasion.

The sheriff imposed a community payback order with 12 months of supervision and a restriction of liberty order for 100 days.

He also warned the youth to behave himself when he was at home on his ‘tag’, saying: “When you’re in your flat do not cause any anti-social behaviour problems for your neighbours.”