Thomas Cooper, 38, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday after admitting to carrying a bladed item and headbutting a police officer. The incident began when Cooper phoned police at 10pm on February 4, claiming there were "people with weapons" outside his home in Merryton Tower, Motherwell.
False Report Leads to Discovery of Axe
Officers responded to the call and found Cooper acting erratically in nearby Shields Road. Prosecutor Calum Frame stated: "He was acting erratically, giving different versions of events. The officers remained concerned about the claim of persons with weapons." A search of the area uncovered an axe outside the front door of the tower block. CCTV footage later led to Cooper's arrest.
Headbutt Attack on Officer
Cooper did not take kindly to his arrest and proceeded to headbutt one of the officers. Fortunately, no injury was caused. Cooper admitted to having a bladed item without reasonable excuse and assaulting a police officer.
Substance Abuse Blamed for Behaviour
Defence lawyer Scott Jones explained that Cooper has a history of substance abuse and that drugs were to blame for his actions on this occasion. However, Jones noted that Cooper is currently subject to a court order from another case and is "making great strides." He added: "This was a relapse. He is working hard to address his issues and put his offending behind him."
Criminal Record Raises Concerns
Sheriff Kevin McCallum KC expressed concern over Cooper's "formidable" criminal record, which includes eight convictions for assault, one at the High Court, and this being his fourth conviction for assaulting a police officer. The sheriff noted that Cooper committed these offences while on early release from prison.
Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports, and Cooper's bail was continued.
