THREE MEN who lashed out at police after they interrupted a bonfire have avoided jail.

Jamie O'Boyle, 30, Craig Balloch, 29, and Stephen Stewart, 20, turned on the officers in Rutherglen on November 5, 2020.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard officers attended the area which was known for hosting bonfires at 10.35pm.

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Up to 40 to 50 people of all ages attended on the night.

It was noted that most of the attendees had been drinking.

Prosecutor Jennifer Sillars said: "The group were abusive towards police officers.

"O'Boyle approached constables Alan Fletcher and Thomas McEwan in an aggressive manner with his arms out stretched.

"He told officers 'F***ing polis, I'm in charge here'."

Balloch then approached the officers who were surrounded by other members of the group.

Balloch receiving palm strikes by the officers.

He continued to move towards the officers with his arms out and said: "What the f*** are you doing?"

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Balloch was put under arrested but pulled back and tried to drag an officer towards the crowd.

Miss Sillars added: "He kicked out at the officers and struggled before being brought to the ground."

Balloch lashed out with his legs while on the ground and tried to get back to his feet.

Meantime, O'Boyle was able to free himself from the police vehicle he had been put in.

Stewart then ran towards constable Fletcher and kicked him on the right leg but was quickly apprehended.

O'Boyle lashed out at the officers arresting Balloch while rousing the crowd stating: "Get them f***ing off him."

He then made attempts to release Balloch from their grip.

Additional officers arrived and he crowd was dispersed.

O'Boyle was pointed out to be in the vicinity who had a bottle in his hand.

He threw it in the direction of an officer and it smashed on the ground.

All three men were not cautioned and charges due to being highly intoxicated.

O'Boyle, of Glasgow's Kings Park, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner while Balloch, of Rutherglen, admitted a charge of resisting, obstructing or hindering police officers.

Stewart, of Rutherglen, admitted assaulting PC Fletcher as well as resisting, obstructing or hindering police officers.

Sheriff Shona Gilroy said: "The scenario described to me is utterly frightening and I hope it's not lost on you today.

"The potential for that to have escalated further than it did and cause serious injury is very much present and I hope you reflect on that - there are no excuses."

O'Boyle and Balloch were put under supervision for one year and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

First offender Stewart was fined £640.