Man spat at police officers in hospital during lockdown

A man who spat bloody saliva at police officers at the height of the coronavirus lockdown has been jailed for 13 months.

Walid Boutoubane assaulted PCs Lewis Webster and Adam Gray at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in May this year.

The 24-year-old then said he would have to be dragged out kicking and screaming before he would go to jail.

Boutoubane pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the two assaults and resisting or obstructing police.

Sheriff Sean Murphy QC put Boutoubane under supervision for six months following his release from prison.

The court heard Boutoubane was initially picked up by police on Carnwadric Road with a head injury and taken to hospital for treatment.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said Boutoubane became aggressive and was shouting, swearing and threatening the officers.

Boutoubane then made a run for the exit door but was stopped from leaving.

Mr Allan said: “When PC Gray tried to stop him leaving the room, the accused turned and spat on his face.

“There was some blood in some saliva, which connected with the officer’s cheek.

“PC Webster reacted to the accused by putting his hand across his mouth and the accused then spat on his arm and chest.”

Boutoubane said: “I will not be going to jail, you will need to drag me out of here kicking and screaming, I’m going to f***ing kill you c***s.”

He was eventually treated before being taken back into custody.

Mr Allan said: “The reporting officer made it very clear in his report that this arose at the height of the pandemic.”

Lawyer Stephen Bentley, defending, told the court that Boutoubane was disgusted and ashamed of himself.

Mr Bentley also offered an apology to the officers from Boutoubane and stated his actions were intolerable.