An Angus man who trapped two female police officers in his home while he fled from their custody has been sent to prison.
Kevin Robertson (50), of Goosecroft, Forfar, appeared at the town’s sheriff court where he admitted the charge, relating to an incident that took place at his home on August 16.
The court heard how police had attended Robertson’s flat to follow up an allegation of robbery.
They planned to detain the accused for questioning but he became agitated and eventually “erupted” in a fit of rage after they tried to stop him taking his methadone medication.
Fiscal Chris Macintosh said: “He broke free and ran from the flat, got out the door and slammed it behind him and held on to the handle. He locked the door so they were locked in the flat.
“He ran off down the stairs and the officers saw the accused get in his car then leave in the vehicle along with the person who made the initial complaint.
“Around five to 10 minutes later, the accused reappeared at the door, unlocked it and said ‘now you can detain me’.”
Robertson’s defence agent Bob Bruce explained to Sheriff Kevin Veal that his client should have appeared at an earlier date but had made an attempt on his own life that day.
Mr Bruce added: “The officers knew they were not in any pressing danger and they were aware that nothing was going to happen to them.
“It’s all really a storm in a tea cup.”
However, despite Mr Bruce’s submission, Sheriff Veal said the matter was serious.
“This, in my opinion, is a serious incident because police officers turned up at the address having responded to a call about a claim of robbery. They were going about their business and the accused escaped from custody and locked them in the flat.
“I think the overall jigsaw here points to an altogether more serious contravention of the Police (Scotland) Act.
“The matter is not helped that the accused has appeared in court 16 times before, including once at the High Court for assault with intent to rob.”
Robertson was sentenced to a total of eight months from February 6.