A CARDENDEN man who has been described as a "poor soul" by police appeared before Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing on Wednesday.

Stephen Paterson assaulted a police officer after he called them for help when he was drunk.

Paterson, 39, of Kirkburn Drive, previously admitted that on April 8 at an address in Ballingry, he did assault a police constable in the execution of his duty and did repeatedly punch him on the body, whilst having been granted bail.

Depute fiscal, Alex Piper, said that at around 5.30pm, the accused contacted the police to say that he was at his mother's address and he was struggling with alcohol.

"His mother then contacted the police when she arrived back at her property saying her son was clearly drunk", she said.

"Paterson wanted the police to take him home. At some stage he punched the officer on the chest. Police tried to persuade him to stay at his mother's for the night but he wouldn't."

The assault caused the police officer no injury.

Defence solicitor, Stephen Morrison, said: "It was a some what pathetic assault in itself. He is well known to the police in his community and not just for his record but is described as bit of a 'poor soul'.

"His problems start when he drinks. He has no friends and apart from his mother he is quite isolated. When he drinks he tends to ring the emergency services simply for attention.

"He does not get on with his step-father and this caused a reaction on the day in question.

"Mr Paterson has been employed by the same company for the last 16 years but it appears they are losing their patience with him because of his many court appearances."

Sheriff Valerie Johnston imposed a fine of £260.