By Bruce Robbins

The DUNDEE couple who unwittingly sprung a police trap to catch an extortionist spoke last night of their “huge relief” that the case has been dropped—and vowed to raise an action for compensation if possible.

Robert Stewart (63) and his wife Elizabeth (56), of Baldovie Place, were arrested by armed officers while walking in Balgay Park and were charged with attempted extortion before appearing in private before a sheriff.

Both were refused bail and remanded in custody while the case was continued. They ended up spending a week each in jail before release.

Senior fiscal Alan Kempton said yesterday, “Crown counsel has instructed that no further proceedings be taken and Mr and Mrs Stewart have been informed.

“The case was investigated and as a result of the decision by Crown Counsel, that is an end of the matter.”

The man police were trying to trap, Paul Langridge (35), was ordered to be detained at Murray Royal Hospital for an initial period of six months on Tuesday after a sheriff determined Langridge was suffering from a mental illness at the time.

He threatened to reveal information relating to alleged sexual misconduct by his victim, a Dundee businessman, and threatened to shoot him and his business partner if £75,000 was not left in a holdall at Balgay Park.

Mr Stewart came across the holdall in the park and the couple were surrounded by armed officers and arrested, later being detained in prison between court appearances.

Last night, Mr Stewart said he and his wife intended to pursue a civil action against whoever was responsible for their time in jail and believed someone should be made to pay for the trauma they suffered.

“There’s no doubt it’s a great relief because we have been through three months of hell,” he said.

“It’s still at the back of our minds all the time.

“If it’s possible, we mean to raise a civil action and I would hope to get some financial compensation. No amount of money can give you a week of your life back but we would possibly get a wee holiday to take us away from everything.”

At the Stewarts’ first appearance they made no plea and their case was continued but following further inquiries, police realised there was a blunder and the case was accelerated.

They were released after a second appearance in private before a sheriff but not before both had spent a week behind bars.

Mr Stewart said they had heard nothing since and were still awaiting an apology. He added, “I think they hope we just disappear. We have been treated badly. You have these things happening in third world countries but not in this country.

“If they gave us an apology, I suppose they are admitting they were wrong. It’s just been mistake after mistake.”

Yesterday, Mrs Stewart’s solicitor, Gary McIlravey, confirmed a civil action was being considered.