A 42-year-old man has been fined after admitting to trying to kick and headbutt a policewoman.

Kevin Samuel Coyle, of Canal Street in Saltcoats, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty to one charge of assault. His plea of not guilty to a second charge was accepted by the prosecutor.

The court heard that in the morning of April 6, police attended Tesco Saltcoats in relation to Coyle causing a disturbance there.

When they arrived they attempted to speak to him but he began walking away. Officers tried to take hold of Coyle’s hands and he immediately began tensing up. They then in a marked police vehicle.

The court heard that on the way to the police station, officers had to stop because of Coyle being disruptive.

One of the officers tried to talk to him and he attempted to stand up and kick her. He also tried to butt her on the head.

Prior to that, Coyle had stated: “I’m going to put the nut in you.”

Police observed that Coyle was foaming at the mouth. They asked him if he had taken any illegal substances but he didn’t respond.

The court heard that the vehicle had to be stopped three times on the way to the police station to calm Coyle down while he continued to shout and swear.

When they arrived at the station, Coyle was not cautioned and charged due to his aggressive demeanour and his level of intoxication.

Defending Coyle, solicitor Brian Holliman explained that his client had been drunk. He also said that Coyle had no other matters outstanding and that he had not offended for nearly seven years.

He added: “He has little or no recollection of his conduct on that occasion. He was drunk and doesn’t recollect his actions but he doesn’t dispute the words of the police officers.

“He says he’s very sorry. He doesn’t consider himself to have a drink problem but on this occasion he had drank far too much.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon told Coyle: “Because you have been out of trouble for almost seven years now I will deal with this with a financial penalty.”

Sheriff Hanlon fined Coyle £200, reduced from £300 due to his guilty plea.