Court hears man let off smoke bomb in Chalmers nightclub

An man let off a smoke bomb in a nightclub after an all-day drinking session, Arbroath Sheriff Court heard.

Colin Lawrence, from Arbroath, was told he was “extraordinarily fortunate” following the incident at Chalmers night spot in the town on October 6.

He was charged after letting the device off on a quiet dance floor.

But Sheriff Gregor Murray warned the accused over the dangers of buying potentially destructive material over the internet.

He said: “Several months ago I attended a demonstration from Police Scotland, which included several types of smoke bomb, at a football stadium.

“What one buys over the internet varies considerably.

“Smoke bombs have the potential in enclosed public spaces to cause havoc.

“A place can go from calm and happiness to confusion and utter chaos.

“However, I have to take into account that what you released was no worse than a smoke machine, and the club was not busy.”

Defending Lawrence, solicitor Billy Rennie said: “It had been a heavy day of drinking from early in the morning.”

Lawrence, 26, of Millfield Road, was ordered to pay £200 compensation and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.