A MUSSELBURGH man who assaulted a police officer will be sentenced next month.

Alexander Stewart, of Newbigging, attempted to headbutt PC Stephen Higgins during a confrontation earlier this year.

Stewart had been found in the curtilage of a property on the town’s Inveresk Road and police had been called out to deal with the intrusion.

During the arrest procedure on February 1, Stewart, 43, attempted to strike the constable and he was subsequently charged with police assault.

Alexander pleaded guilty to charges of intending to commit theft and to assault when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Monday.

Sheriff Adrian Cottam deferred sentence for reports.

Stewart admitted to being found in the curtilage of a property at Inveresk Road, Musselburgh, with the intention of committing theft on February 1.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Stephen Higgins by attempting to butt him at Maitland Avenue on the same date.