A MAN who attacked and abused police officers in Irvine has been locked up.

William Johnston, 20, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner on two separate occasions in March.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how police attended outside Asda in Irvine on March 25.

This was after members of the public had pointed out Johnston for swearing at passers-by. It was also noted that Johnston had blood on his hooded top and shoes.

But when officers arrived and left their vehicle, Johnston made a run for it.

Johnston ran to Cochrane Street and after one of the officers followed him, Johnston stopped and lunged towards the officer.

His colleague quickly made it to the scene and seized Johnston who began to struggle, shout and swear at the officers.

Johnston attempted to headbutt one of the officers before kicking out and striking him on his left shin.

An irate Johnston refused to calm down and repeatedly abused the officers calling them “b******s” before threatening to kill them when he was released.

Johnston then proceeded to kick the other officer on his right shin before eventually being placed in a police vehicle.

He was taken to Saltcoats Police Office and was not cautioned or charged due to his aggressive behaviour.

Twelve days earlier on March 13, Johnston was involved in an incident at the Quarriers Hostel in Green Street, Saltcoats, where he was residing at the time.

At around 10pm Johnston began shouting at a man standing outside the hostel, aggressively pointing his finger at him.

Thereafter Johnston pushed the man who ran off to escape the 20-year-old’s assault.

But a shirtless Johnston chased after the man and attempted to engage in a fight. The court also heard how a woman passing by attempted to intervene and stop Johnston but he pushed past her to try and start a fight.

Concerned by what was happening outside, staff inside the hostel pressed the panic button prompting immediate police attendance.

Johnston was detained and taken to Saltcoats Police Office and again he was not cautioned and charged due to his demeanour.

He returned to court from custody last week after previously pleading guilty. Johnston’s solicitor Paul Gallagher told the court that despite living in hostel accommodation, Johnston still had the support of his extended family.

Mr Gallagher added that Johnston left school with good qualifications and obtained various awards.

However, he insisted that it was Johnston’s abuse of alcohol and drugs that led him to criminal offending.

Mr Gallagher believed Johnston could be dealt with by means of a community-based disposal, as recommended in Johnston’s social work report.

But presiding Sheriff Derek Livingston believed there was “no alternative” and sentenced Johnston to 19 months detention in a young offender’s institution.