A man from Barrhead has been sentenced to jail for assaulting a police officer in a chokehold, causing permanent scarring. Steven Rae, a 37-year-old father, attacked PC Ryan Beveridge in July 2023 by wrapping his legs around the officer’s neck and repeatedly punching him. Rae also shouted homophobic slurs towards other police officers on the same day, claiming that his actions were influenced by a decline in his mental health and excessive drinking.
The assault took place after a report of a disturbance on Cross Arthurlie Street in Barrhead. Rae confronted the police officers aggressively, leading to a physical altercation where he choked PC Beveridge with his legs and struck him, causing injuries that required hospital treatment. Despite being sprayed with an irritant and restrained by other officers, Rae continued to be verbally abusive.
Following the incident, PC Beveridge was treated at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for a laceration to his lip, which required stitches and is likely to result in permanent scarring. Rae’s defence agent acknowledged his client’s remorse and explained that Rae is actively seeking support to address his mental health and drinking issues.
Sheriff Amel Elfallah condemned Rae’s actions as a serious and violent assault on a police officer, emphasizing the severe consequences of his behaviour. Ultimately, Rae was sentenced to 16 months in prison for his assault on PC Beveridge. The court highlighted Rae’s history of violence and disorderly conduct, leading to the decision of a custodial sentence.
In conclusion, this case serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their violent actions. It also underscores the need for support and intervention for individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.