Alexandria man in court after "vile" threats to female police officer
Michael Bleakley avoids jail after telling cop he wanted to slash her throat.
Lennox Herald
Dumbarton Sheriff Court
An Alexandria man told a police officer he wanted to slash her throat in a vile attack.
Michael Bleakley, of North Street, made dog barking noises and tried to grab and scratch officers as they removed him from a police van on May 27.
He subjected police to what Sheriff William Gallacher branded "vile and unacceptable" abuse when Bleakley appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week.
The 35-year-old went on to call one officer a "f****** dog" before they managed to restrain him with straps during the incident at Clydebank Police Station.
Bleakley admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in the back of a police van by shouting, swearing, threatening officers and kicking the door.
He also admitted assaulting two police officers by attempting to seize them by the body and scratch them while lashing out with his legs and struggling violently.
Bleakley also admitted shouting and swearing while in Clydebank Police Office.
The court heard that Bleakley's barrage of abuse began once he was placed in the back of the police van.
Depute fiscal Emma Thomson said: "Police observed the accused and decided at 1.50pm that they had to place him under arrest.
"They placed him in the rear of the van and during the course of the journey he repeatedly shouted and swore at officers.
"He kicked the cell door inside the back of the police van and he made dog barking noises towards the police.
"He stated he wanted to slash one of the officers throats and called her a f****** dog, a f****** slut and a f****** whore.
"He also shouted 'let's f****** have it pigs'."
"When he was being removed from the van he proceeded to shout and swear and he attempted to grab and scratch at officers."
Defending Bleakley, Ms Jefferson said he had a history of mental health and substance abuse problems which led to this incident.
She said: "He has mental health difficulties and substance abuse difficulties.
"He accepts it was an appalling way to behave and he apologises for his behaviour.
"He is someone who would benefit from supervision as he does not have his troubles to seek."
In an attempt to help Bleakley, Sheriff William Gallacher spared him of a custodial sentence but ordered him to engage with services to tackle his issues.
Sheriff Gallacher said: "This was unjustified and unacceptable and no human being should have to be confronted by this type of vile diatribe.
"Part of the problem is that you do not exercise the control to do what is required of you.
"However, I do not think it is of anyone's interest to send you to jail.
"If you agree to it I will make you subject to a community payback order.
"With this you will always have to accept and act on the advice and support from your supervising officer."
Bleakley was placed under supervision for 18 months with a conduct requirement that he must engage with mental health and substance abuse services.
A review was set for March 1 next year.
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