Housebreaker who threatened to stab police in Dundee is jailed
A man who threatened to stab police officers after trying to break into a house in Dundee has been jailed for 13 months.
John May told officers "I just want to go back to jail" after being caught hiding behind a bush following the attempted break-in.
A court heard that May's behaviour "deteriorated" following his arrest in February.
His solicitor described his offending as "depressingly repetitive."
Depute fiscal Saima Rasheed told Dundee Sheriff Court the householder had heard the sound of smashing glass at about 21:00 and entered his living room.
Miss Rasheed said: "He observed the accused through the blinds wearing a red hooded jacket, standing on the window ledge.
"He shouted at the accused, which caused him to cease his actions and jump down from the ledge."
Police searched the area and found May hiding behind a hedge, 150m away from the house.
May, 35, told officers: "I just want to go back to jail, I don't get anything out of this."
Miss Rasheed said May was taken to police headquarters where he became "extremely aggressive and uncooperative."
She said: "Due to his uncooperative behaviour, the accused was escorted to a cell, where his behaviour deteriorated."
The court was told May struggled violently with officers as they carried out a strip search.
Larry Flynn, defending, said: "His circumstances have been depressingly repetitive.
"It is quite clear there was no planning involved, but it was a very upsetting experience for the person in the house.
"He wishes to apologise to the officers. He knows a custodial sentence will be imposed today."
May, a prisoner at HMP Perth, admitted attempting to break into a house in Forfar Road, Dundee with intent to steal on 14 February.
He also admitted assaulting PC Neil Robertson by spitting on his face and threatening to stab PC Craig Robertson and PC Ross Windsor on the same date,
Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC told May: "It is quite clear that you just want to be back in prison, so I am going to send you to prison."