A LOCHGELLY teen who abused police officers and threatened violence in a “disgraceful incident” has avoided jail.

Connor Lee Graves, 19, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last Wednesday on three charges, for offences committed at Chapel Street on March 5 this year.

Graves, of 28 Main Street, admitted that he resisted, obstructed or hindered three police constables and struggled violently with them; and assaulted one of the officers, and repeatedly kicked him on the body.

He further admitted that at the street and in the course of a journey within a police vehicle to Dunfermline Police Station, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner, repeatedly shouted, swore and uttered threats of violence.

Fiscal depute Fiona Nairn said police officers had attended around 1.20am following “reports of various persons fighting”.

They dealt with the matter and a police presence remained to deter any further fighting.

Officers then became aware of “two males and a female lingering at a corner” and requested that they leave the area.

However, Graves replied: 'What the f*** are you doing to do, like?” He was warned about his conduct but said: 'Get the f*** away from me, you spastic.'

Graves was again warned about his language but continued to swear at them.

He was then arrested. As one of the officers reached over to take hold of his arms, he said: “Don't you f***ing touch me.”

Officers attempted to handcuff him but he tensed up, flailed his arms and refused to be handcuffed.

He was then placed on the ground, handcuffed and conveyed to the police vehicle.

On being placed inside, he kicked out, striking one of the constables twice to his leg. There was no injury to the PC.

He was taken to Dunfermline Police Station, and was “continually abusive” to officers throughout the journey.

Graves, who was not represented, told the court he did not remember much about the incident and that it was “out of character”.

He added: “I was suffering with severe mental health issues at the time, having just come out of hospital a couple of weeks ago. I didn't have a clue what I was doing.”

Sheriff Charles Macnair blasted the “disgraceful incident”, saying: “Police officers are entitled to the protection of the court from assaults.

“They're trying to do their jobs and maintain the peace. I take into account that you're almost a first offender and that your previous conviction is of an entirely different nature.”

Sheriff Macnair imposed a community payback order of 135 hours' unpaid work, to be completed within six months, as an alternative to custody.