SEVEN police officers tackled a man who was struggling violently after an incident in Blairhall.

Alistair Gray, 29, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court to be sentenced for his actions, which including biting the shoe of one of the policemen called out to deal with the matter.

Gray, formerly of Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall, now living in Aberdeen, admitted that on September 21 last year, at his then home, he resisted, obstructed or hindered seven police officers by struggling violently with them, refused to be handcuffed, kicked out with his legs and bit the shoe of one of the officers.

Depute fiscal Jill Currie said that at 8.30pm, Gray had phoned the emergency services to say he had stabbed himself in the ribs and thighs.

When officers arrived, they found he was heavily under the influence of alcohol and had “superficial” wounds.

Gray refused to be taken to hospital to have his injuries cleaned then grabbed a knife and said: “I’ll stab myself until I’m dead.”

He then said he was going to the shop and walked out of the house bare-footed. Gray was detained by officers under the Mental Health Act and began struggling violently.

Additional officers had to attend to assist their colleagues, added the depute.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said: “He’s suffered from mental health issues as well as alcohol misuse.”

Sheriff James MacDonald imposed a community payback order with 80 hours of unpaid work.