Man jailed for six years after choking police officer to unconsciousness

John Dow attacked the constable after he and his colleague stopped to respond to a disturbance in the town’s Mitchell Street in July 2020.

As the officer attempted to arrest the 36-year-old, Dow grabbed him by the neck. The pair fell into a nearby hedge as Dow kept a grip on the officer’s neck and repeatedly punched him on the head.

The officer’s partner activated his emergency button and attempted to intervene. The officer under attack lost consciousness shortly before other police crews arrived to assist.

When Dow let go of the first officer, he then grabbed another around the neck. He was eventually arrested.

Dow pled guilty to two charges at the beginning of his trial at the High Court in Glasgow last month, including assault to severe injury and danger of life. He was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison.

David Green, procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, said: “John Dow carried out a brutal and sustained attack on a police officer who was simply doing his job. The sentence imposed today reflects the gravity of the offences committed.

“Assaults on police officers are taken extremely seriously and prosecutors will take action to protect their safety. We work closely with Police Scotland to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of these offences.”