A CARDENDEN man who lashed out at ambulance staff, who were only trying to treat his injuries, has escaped a prison sentence.

Eric Brown (49), of Hyndloup Terrace, assaulted paramedic Mark Crawford and technician Heather Stewart at Cluny Road while being taken to the Victoria Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, on 8th September this year.

He also shouted, kicked units, repeatedly took off his seatbelt, refused to sit down and acted in a challenging and aggressive manner.

Brown, who pleaded guilty, carried out the offences while on bail.

Fiscal depute, Andrew Richardson, told Dunfermline Sheriff Court, on Wednesday, that police had been called to a disturbance at the terrace.

Officers dealt with the matter and spoke to Brown, who had injuries, and called for an ambulance. Mr Richardson continued, “He had been drinking and was shown into the rear of the ambulance and was told he would have to go to the Victoria Hospital for further assessment.

“He was described as unco-operative and agitated and police decided to follow the ambulance.” However, when one of the paramedics attempted to perform checks, Brown refused to sit down and kicked off.

He said, “I’m going to embarrass you now” and squared up to the paramedic.

The other paramedic stopped the ambulance and police arrested Brown. When he was cautioned and charged, he said, “F*** off.” Solicitor, David Bell, said Brown had come into some money and that two persons had come round “trying to get money from his bank account”.

Mr Bell said Brown was forced to drink brandy by the two, “in the hope of trying to get his pin number”. He added that Brown showed “very poor behaviour” and “feels sorry for the workers”.

Sheriff William Wood handed down a four-month restriction of liberty order between 7pm-7am.

In sentencing, Sheriff Wood said, “Often when I come across charges like these, especially if it’s someone who has some degree of form, my first thought is whether a custodial sentence is appropriate.

“Although nothing excuses your conduct towards the paramedics who were trying to help you, your early plea and contrition does go some way towards mitigating that.”