A drunk man who obstructed paramedics during the course of their duties has avoided a custodial sentence.
Colin Gill, 36, grabbed one of them by the lapels of his jacket when they refused to give him a lift home after he was found sitting in Wilton Park. He then tried to kiss a female paramedic and asked her for a kiss.
At Selkirk Sheriff Court on Mo
nday, procurator fiscal Morag McLintock said the offence happened at 8.25pm in September when the ambulance staff had a call regarding Gill.
She said: "They found him sitting on the ground. He had been drinking and he was angling for a lift. It was explained to him that the ambulance was not a taxi."
Gill then grabbed a paramedic by both lapels of his jacket, although he was able to move back quickly.
Miss McLintock continued: "Both technicians felt threatened by his behaviour. He then turned friendly and tried to cuddle the female technician and asked her for a kiss.
"He then went for a sleep in the Lidl car park where he was found by police. He made no reply when cautioned and charged."
Gill, of Bright Street, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act.
He wrote a letter of apology to the paramedics which was presented to the court. It stated that he realised ambulance staff were there for the benefit of the public.
Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman said his client was taking steps to address his drinking and had been sober for the past 19 days.
Gill was put on probation for a year and ordered to carry out 80 hours' community service.
