Moray Man Sentenced to Unpaid Work for Abusive Behavior

A man from Moray has been sentenced to complete unpaid work for verbally abusing police officers during two separate incidents. Jacob Westlake, aged 50, first displayed aggressive behavior while being transported to Elgin Police Station in the early hours of June 8, 2022. During this transport, he directed offensive remarks at the officers, referring to them as “mongrels” and using other derogatory language.

The verbal abuse continued once he arrived at the police station’s custody suite, where he further insulted the officers with crude terms. Approximately six weeks later, on the evening of August 28, Westlake was involved in another incident that prompted police intervention. Neighbors alerted authorities to disturbances at a residence in Lossiemouth, reporting loud banging and shouting.

Upon arrival, officers found the front door of the property wide open. They discovered Westlake inside, in a living room, where he again exhibited aggressive behavior, shouting and swearing at the police. At Elgin Sheriff Court, procurator fiscal Victoria Silver detailed these incidents, emphasizing that Westlake’s conduct had escalated.

In addition to verbally abusing the police, Westlake admitted to multiple offenses, including damaging a wall at the Lossiemouth property, repeatedly punching a police vehicle, and possessing cannabis. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting his former partner.

Defense solicitor Matthew O’Neill indicated that Westlake is “in a much better place now than he was towards the end of last year,” suggesting a positive shift in his circumstances.

As a consequence of his actions, Westlake, whose address was recorded in court documents as Granary Street, Burghead, has been placed under the court’s supervision for the next 12 months. A non-harassment order has been issued, preventing him from contacting his former partner during this period. Furthermore, he is required to complete 140 hours of unpaid community work within the next six months, a condition aimed at addressing the impacts of his behavior on the community and the individuals affected.