Rowdy jailed for attacking Highland chippy worker after being called a ‘beast’

But 41-year-old Charles MacLennan of Mart Road, Dingwall wanted to be released instantly because, he told Sheriff Gary Aitken, that he had spent enough time on remand.

However only one of his requests was granted when Sheriff Aitken jailed MacLennan for six months backdated to March 3, which meant he would be behind bars for around another couple of months.

MacLennan ranted at the Sheriff and prison officers when he appeared by video link, as he had done when his case was deferred in March for a background report.

At a previous hearing the court heard that MacLennan had only been released from a 15-month spell on remand for a serious offence for which he was acquitted by a jury last month.

Fiscal depute Shay Traynor told the court that MacLennan had become violent when he heard someone in Renato's premises on Dingwall's High Street call him "a beast”.

“He threw items at the shop worker, vaulted the counter, punched the man in the eye and head-butted him, leaving him bruised and bloodied," Mr Traynor said.

The incident happened on Sunday afternoon, March 2, which was filmed by a customer and posted on social media.

Mr Traynor added: "He appeared to be intoxicated in the shop. When he ordered chips and cheese sauce, he was told he did not have enough money and his behaviour escalated. He got on the counter and began throwing items.

"When the member of staff grabbed him by the shoulders to stop him, he was punched and head-butted. Police were called and he was traced to a nearby car park and arrested.

"Officers described his behaviour as highly volatile and erratic and he made various threats to them, including 'I am slashing you, you little rat'; ‘You are dead when I get out of this van'; ‘I am innocent'; ‘I am smashing your face in' and 'I am murdering you.'

"His comments included references to an officer being 'lesbian'," Mr Traynor added.

His defence agent at the time, Myhrin Hill, told the court: "He was released from custody on Friday after being remanded awaiting trial for 15 months and he says his mental health has been affected. He was subsequently acquitted.

"Someone made a comment to him about the charges against him and called him 'a beast'.”

MacLennan had admitted two charges of threatening and abusive behaviour and one of assault to injury.