Man admits choking policeman unconscious following Coatbridge disturbance

A man has admitted choking a police officer unconscious in Coatbridge, leaving colleagues fearing he had been killed.

John Dow pounced on PC Paul Gavan who had turned up at a large scale early-hours disturbance in July last year.

The burly 36-year-old strangled the constable for more than a minute after he tried to arrest him.

CCTV footage captured other officers struggling to drag Dow off a stricken PC Gavan.

Prosecutor Angela Gray told the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday: "PC Gavan was placed in the recovery position by colleagues.

"An ambulance was summoned. Some officers - on seeing him unconscious - thought he was dead."

The 33 year-old PC luckily came to after being knocked out cold for 20 seconds.

But, a judge was told the officer has suffered "significant trauma" as a result of his ordeal.

Dow had been due to go to trial accused of attempting to murder PC Gavan.

He instead pled guilty to the reduced charge of assaulting the constable to his severe injury and danger of his life.

Unemployed Dow will be sentenced next month.

PC Gavan and a colleague had stopped in Mitchell Street, Coatbridge as a group were arguing with each other and damaging property.

Miss Gray told how Dow was part of the mob.

As the officers called for back-up, Dow became annoyed after a man was detained.

Miss Gray said the thug started filming officers on his mobile phone while being "aggressive and challenging" to PC Gavan.

PC Gavan eventually told Dow he was under arrest.

Dow then lashed out, grabbing the 33 year-old constable, punching him and squeezing his throat tightly.

The advocate depute: "He kept his grip of PC Gavan...they both fell into a hedge with Dow on top of him.

"PC Gavan felt that his life was in danger. He tried to free himself from Dow by punching him on the head, but this had no effect.

"PC Gavan lost consciousness - he was motionless."

CCTV showed Dow still kept a hold of the victim and it took two other officers to finally get him off.

Miss Gray: "In total, Dow had his hand around the neck of PC Gavan for approximately one minute and 10 seconds."

Dow then went on briefly grab PC George Hay, but was quickly overpowered.

The court heard PC Gavan - who had 11 years service - ended up with a broken nose, damaged teeth, bruising, scratches and swelling.

Miss Gray: "He has suffered significant psychological trauma in the wake of the attack upon him."

Dow also admitted assaulting PC Hay to his injury.

Tony Graham QC, defending, said Dow reacted as he believed there had been "no need" to arrest him that night.

Lord Fairley remanded Dow in custody as the case was adjourned for reports.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.