SHOCK ATTACK

Falkirk thug who launched vacuum cleaner at cop and hit him on head faces jail

A THUG who whacked a cop on the head with a vacuum cleaner after throwing it at him is facing jail.

Jamie MacAulay, 27, flung the vacuum cleaner at PC Russell Porteous from a first floor landing during an incident at MacAulay's house in Laurieston, Falkirk, on March 17.

It's understood he carried out his attack after cops attended the property and had struggled to gain entry.

The cop attack victim was unhurt during the altercation.

Katie Cunningham, prosecuting, said police had been called at the house about "in relation to an unrelated matter".

She said: "I think they had some struggle getting into the property and when they did the accused ran up the stairs.

"Police went to make their way up the stairs to follow him.

"However he stood at the top of the landing and threw a Hoover at PC Porteous, striking him on the top of his head.

"That's the extent of the matter. It's very fortunate there was no injury to the officer."

MacAulay, who then fled into a bedroom, was arrested.

At Falkirk Sheriff Court, MacAulay pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Porteous, then in the execution of his duty, by throwing a Hoover at him from a first floor landing, hitting him on the head with it.

Sheriff Pino di Emidio deferred sentence until October 22 for a social background report and an assessment of MacAulay's suitability for a restriction of liberty order, as an alternative to custody.