A MAN assaulted a police officer after a warrant was sent out for his arrest.

First time offender, Clark McKelvie, of Arran Court, Drongan, pleaded guilty to overtaking a lorry on the A77 near to Maybole when it was not safe to do so on November 25, 2016 and on June 3 of this year, he admitted to assaulting a police officer by pushing him in the body and face.

The 49-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Lorri Pidgeon, explained: “On the first matter, it was 8:20pm at night and the traffic was fairly moderate.

“The police were on patrol and were aware of the oncoming traffic.

“The accused overtook a lorry, coming into oncoming traffic and the police had to make an emergency stop to prevent a collision.

“The accused was cautioned and charged.

“On the other matter, a warrant was issued at 10.30am on said date and the police arrived at the accused address and explained why they were there.

“The police asked to come inside the house but the accused insisted that they spoke at the front door.

“It escalated and the accused pushed one of the police constables.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Glenn Davis, said: “My client has never been in trouble.

“The position is that he was coming back from work and the overtaking of the lorry was taken on a long straight.

“It was taken that he had plenty of time to overtake the lorry but the vehicle in front of him, who also overtook, were taking their time.

“It was an error of judgement on his terms.

“As for the second matter, it was due to his unfamiliarity to never attending court before and the unfamiliarity of police powers.

“He struggled because he has trouble putting his hands behind his back due to his painful arthritis.

“It is a matter that grew arms and legs very quickly which simply escalated.”

Sheriff Leslie addressed McKelvie and said: “Funnily enough, when the police come to your door, they are at work performing their duty, not to be met with the arrogance and defiance that they were met with by you.

“On the charge of due care and attention you will be fined and with the other charge, you will also be fined.”

McKelvie was fined a hefty sum of £750.