A GLASGOW City Council worker who tried to punch a cop admitted to his lawyer that the officers were “simply doing their job”.

Ben McLean, 23, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to behaving in an aggressive manner by shouting and swearing as well as assault.

Cops were travelling on Great Western Road in Knightswood when they observed a large group of people at 12.30am on August 6 last year.

When officers approached, McLean appeared to focus his attention on them.

He grabbed one cop by the body armour and held his fist back in an attempt to punch him in the face, but the officer pushed McLean away.

Further officers were asked to attend to assist and stopped him nearby.

Upon speaking with him, he pushed one of the officers.

He was informed he was under arrest but resisted by pulling his arms away.

McLean, of Knightswood, was eventually placed in handcuffs, and he was confirmed to be the same person involved in the earlier incident.

He was taken to Clydebank police office, held in custody and later released.

At the hearing last week, the court heard McLean has no previous convictions.

His lawyer said: “He finds himself before the court for the first time. He is extremely disappointed and does accept responsibility.

“He was out with his friends and brother consuming alcohol in the afternoon. This took place at midnight so it’s a long time to be drinking.

“He does accept his conduct was wrong. He explained to me this morning the officers were simply doing their job. He is in full-time employment with Glasgow City Council in the waste management department.”

Sheriff Diana McConnell told McLean: “These are serious matters, make no mistake. But I have taken into account you’re only 23 and have no previous convictions.

“I will impose a compensation order for the police officers. It was unpleasant for them to have to deal with you in your drunken state. It would have been alarming as you were amidst a large group of people.”

McLean was ordered to pay a total of £300 in compensation to the officers involved.