Thug admits attacking police officer with bottle after Scotland match

A thug scarred an off-duty police officer with a Buckfast bottle after a Scotland football match.

Michael McLaughlin, 18, assaulted PC Alan Frame outside Glasgow’s Clutha Bar last September.

McLaughlin initially approached the off-duty policeman asking for money before striking him on the head.

He pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to PC Frame’s severe injury.

McLaughlin, who has previous convictions for assault and breach of the peace, also admitted breaching his bail conditions on two separate occasions.

The court heard PC Frame and another off-duty officer had gone to the pub following Scotland’s defeat to Russia.

PC Frame waited for his colleague outside at the end of the night and noticed a group of people had narrowly avoided being hit by a taxi.

The officer told the group to be careful before McLaughlin approached him for “a couple of quid for a taxi.”

PC Frame told McLaughlin that he didn’t have any money which prompted a “discussion” between the pair.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “McLaughlin staggered backward to the roadway, but soon returned in possession of a glass Buckfast bottle.

“He then struck PC Frame with the bottle, causing a wound to his head.”

The attacker was restrained by PC Frame but later broke free and fled the scene.

A witness carried out first aid to PC Frame who was “bleeding heavily” and dialled 999.

The officer was taken to hospital for treatment where he received 15 stitches and glue to his head.

Mr Allan said: “The doctor stated there was significant bleeding from the wounds and if not treated could have caused significant blood loss.

“In his view there will be likely scarring.”

McLaughlin was traced and charged with assault and replied: “I didn’t hit him on the head.”

A month later, McLaughlin was arrested again after telling officers to “F off” and “Am telling you fing nothing” following an unrelated incident.

He initially resisted arrest and shouted at the officers “I’m gonnae f***ing kill yous.”

Defence lawyer, Jackson Bateman, defending, told the court that PC Frame had initially pushed McLaughlin during a “heated discussion.”

Mr Bateman added: “There was no assault but he was pushed away and there was one strike with his bottle.

“I’m not suggesting there was provocation but that was the circumstances.”

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by Sheriff Tony Kelly who remanded McLaughlin in custody meantime.

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