A THUG who punched a female cop to the face has been jailed.

Archibald Murray, 49, assaulted police officer Natalie McNaughton three times during the incident in the West End on November 29 last year.

The 49-year-old was described at Glasgow Sheriff Court as behaving erratically on Woodlands Road at 7pm.

Fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “Police were driving when they were flagged down by a member of the public who had concern for the accused’s erratic behaviour.

“The accused approached the police vehicle and stated that there had been a misunderstanding and he did not require to speak with police and began to walk away.

“Police officer Natalie McNaughton exited the vehicle and crossed the road to where the accused was standing. She asked him to stay to speak with police and the accused shouted ‘or wit’ at her.

“He then proceeded to push Ms McNaughton on the chest forcefully causing her to fall backwards onto the ground and hit her head on the pavement. She tried to get back to her feet and the accused then pushed her again to her shoulder knocking her off balance.

“He then made off on Woodlands Road. Ms McNaughton gave chase, catching up with the accused. He then punched her to her left cheekbone.” Ms McNaughton placed Murray in handcuffs and another officer attended to help restrain him to the ground.

After being informed of his arrest, police checks were carried out on Murray and he was found to be in breach of a curfew which ordered him to stay within his home on Broomhill Drive from 7pm-7am.

His defence solicitor told the court that his client had been drinking heavily at the time and was trying to get home in time for his curfew.

He added: “Because of the state he was in, he drew attention to himself. He is particularly embarrassed and ashamed that it was a female officer.

“He knows nobody should be treated like that at their work. This is clearly a significant matter.

“His record has a number of alcohol-fuelled offences. It’s clearly a matter which meets the custody threshold but there are alternatives. He is not short of intelligence and is someone who contributes to society. He was having difficulties with his mental health.”

Sheriff Bernard Ablett sentenced Murray to 22 weeks in jail.

He said: “Police officers have a right to go about their duty without the right to be assaulted. You have several convictions for assault together with convictions for assaulting police officers. The need for public protection forms a significant part of my decision. I have come to the conclusion that there’s no other method of dealing with you than imposing a period in prison.”