A man cried as he was taken to prison after he broke his unpaid work order which was imposed after he spat on a doctor.

David O’Hara admitted to assaulting the Glasgow Royal Infirmary employee on April 2, 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic.

He was also convicted of assaulting a police officer and behaving aggressively.

In July 2021, O'Hara was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work for the offences.

This week, he returned to the dock after he breached this order repeatedly.

Sheriff Patricia Pryce observed: "This is his second or third breach. He spat on a doctor who was trying to assist him.

"He has had ample opportunity.

"How many more chances would he like?"

The 28-year-old was visibly upset in the courtroom.

Sheriff Pryce told him: "Stop that! If you are going to misbehave, then just stop it."

O'Hara's lawyer addressed the court: "It is accepted that there are a number of breaches but he has made changes in the last couple of months."

He explained that O'Hara now resides with his auntie and cares for family members including his cousin and mother. 

The solicitor added: "He has also been working in his auntie’s catering business as a volunteer and engaging with Men Matter."

This is an organisation supporting men's mental health.

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Sheriff Pryce said: "All these issues were considered and he was given the opportunity to do the alternative.

"I should have sent him to jail to begin with.

"We are three and a half years down the line. He has 184 hours outstanding.

"He can assist his cousin and mother, and work at the catering business, but he can’t do the unpaid work?"

The solicitor replied: "If the order was imposed now, he would be able to cooperate.

"He has no previous experience in custody. He's terrified."

The sheriff said: "He pleaded guilty to a serious offence. It’s reprehensible.

"Do you understand why I am getting vexed about this? This is the worst I have ever seen.

"I have tried to support him. How many people will have to be subjected to his violence?"

She then turned to O'Hara and told him: "You heard everything I said. It comes as no surprise that I am sending you to jail today."

The Maryhill resident was sentenced to three months of imprisonment.

He wept as he was led out of the courtroom.

He said: "I just wanted to get my life back, Sheriff Pryce."