A KILWINNING thug who kicked and spat at coppers during the pandemic will remain in custody as he awaits sentence.

Connor McKnight, 26, admitted three charges of assaulting police when he appeared in court from custody last week – in a deal that saw seven other assault charges alleged in Irvine and Dalry dropped.

The Procurator Fiscal told the court McKnight, whose address is now listed as HMP Kilmarnock, appeared in court on petition on November 26 last year.

He said: “At 1.30am on November 26, 2020 officers attended Burnshouse Avenue, Dalry in relation to a report made to police.

“Police officers stopped and were met by three men, one being Mr McKnight. Two other police constables arrived as support.

“The three men complied and provided details. The two then left when police had cause to speak to McKnight, and he became aggressive as officers applied handcuffs and had cause to place him in the police vehicle.

“Laying on his side in the vehicle, the constable opened the door and asked to him desist then he kicked the officer in the jaw.

“Officers attempted to restrain Mr McKnight. At which point a police constable was headbutted and another constable received several kicks to the arm.

“McKnight was then removed from the vehicle and officers changed his handcuffs from in front of him to the rear.

“At that time McKnight was brought to his feet and spat in the face of PC Lennox. He was taken to Saltcoats Police Station and a spit hood was applied.

“The police constable suffered bruising, swelling and pain in his jaw and discomfort. Due to being spat on, the officer had to have a coronavirus test.”

McKnight’s solicitor said: “He has spent large parts of his life in custody. Whenever released he has used alcohol and Valium as coping mechanisms. “

Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane asked for reports before sentencing and McKnight was returned to custody.