A MORAY MAN who shouted and swore at a police officer and told him to ‘get out of my country’ is beginning a 133-day jail sentence.

John Harrold, 56 and from Fochabers, was brought to the attention of police when he caused a disturbance after being asked to leave a pub on March 12.

Two officers approached Harrold on the High Street in Fochabers – but he immediately became aggressive towards them. Elgin Sheriff Court heard that Harrold put his face close to Constable Deborah Price while shouting – and while being taken to a police van he spat in the officer’s face.

According to a statement in court by Fiscal Alex Swain, Harrold also shouted at Constable Roy Cook “I’m going to stick a red hot poker in your face”, telling him to “get out of my country”. Miss Swain explained that Constable Cook was English.

In Harrold’s defence, solicitor Stephen Carty said that his client “has certainly taken umbrage” to attention he received from police, adding that Harrold “would like to apologise to them unreservedly”.

Harrold admitted acting aggressively and in a racially aggravated manner towards Constable Cook, and of assaulting Constable Price. He was sent to 133 days in prison.