A PATIENT who was verbally abusive in a doctor’s waiting room has avoided jail.

Richard Duncan, 25, pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening and abusive manner at Wardlaw Medical Practise, Rutherglen, last June.

Duncan, of Rutherglen, phoned the GPs office and believed he could be seen to that same day.

Prosecutor Hannah Sweeney said: “A receptionist spoke to him and told him he couldn’t be seen on the day and to come back another time.

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“At that point, he was determined to be seen and said he had spoken to someone on the phone who told him he would be and became aggressive.”

Other staff members became involved in the argument and told him this wasn’t true.

Miss Sweeney added: “Duncan became volatile and started shouting at the receptionists who contacted their manager for assistance.”

Other patients in the waiting area became alarmed and police were asked to attend.

Duncan was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

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His lawyer, Ian McClellan said Duncan was anxious and apologised for his actions.

Sheriff Gerard Bonnar told Duncan: “This type of behaviour is serious.

“You need to remember that other people are there for their needs.

“Receptionists are also under pressure.

Sheriff Bonnar deferred sentencing for six months for good behaviour.