Edinburgh reveller dragged tree up Broughton Street

The incident happened on Broughton Street

A DRUNK reveller argued with police after they stopped him dragging a tree up a deserted city-centre street, a court heard.

Steven Murray hauled the three-foot high ornamental shrubbery from outside a pub before being confronted by two bemused officers.

But after being challenged while in possession of the large plant and pot, Murray told the officers to “F*** off” before a scuffle broke out, it was said.

One PC claimed Murray, from Barony Street, then assaulted him by pushing the branches of the bush into his face during the 3am incident outside Treacle earlier this year.

But following a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, 44-year-old Murray was cleared of attacking the constable with the olive tree, but convicted of behaving in a threatening manner.

Sheriff McFadyen said he found the case “a bizarre episode” but the assault charge had not been proven and found the accused not guilty.

Murray was fined a total of £250 for his behaviour in Broughton Street on January 3.