Axewielding man tried to run over officers

A MAN who went berserk with an axe at a Fife supermarket subsequently tried to mow down two police officers in the street, a court has heard.

Terrified staff at the Asda store in Glenrothes were forced to lock the doors on July 1 to prevent axe-wielding Richard Flynn from returning, just minutes after he had struck workers with a basket and its contents in a fit of rage.

Shortly after leaving the scene, Flynn deliberately reversed his car at two police officers, forcing them to dive into their vehicle to avoid being hit.

He went on to ram his car into the police vehicle, causing significant damage.

The shocking events were outlined at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where Flynn appeared from HMP Perth via video link.

The 40-year-old admitted throwing a basket of groceries, water bottles, sanitising spray and plants at staff at Asda on Fullerton Road on July 1, throwing a trolley at scanning devices and brandishing an axe in the car park.

Flynn also admitted possessing an offensive weapon and deliberately reversing at speed towards PCs Craig McNicol and Mark Farrell on Alves Drive, Glenrothes, later that morning.

Flynn shunted the police car about 15 metres from where it was parked.

After more police units arrived, he was eventually placed under arrest.

Fiscal Ronnie Hay said the two officers had suffered whiplash injuries and had been treated at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital.

Mr Hay revealed Flynn had previously been banned from the supermarket and was approached by staff at around 8am after he had entered the shop.

Mr Hay said Flynn had appeared calm at first but suddenly became argumentative.

Sheriff James Williamson remanded Flynn in custody and deferred sentence on him for the preparation of background reports until October 16.

BACKSTAGE workers stepped into the limelight at Perth Concert Hall to demand extra support for Scotland’s beleaguered events industry.

Protesters staged a demonstration outside the city centre venue to highlight problems facing the under-threat sector and show support for operator Horsecross Arts, which is in the process of making more than 100 staff redundant.

The protest, under the #WeMakeEvents banner, came as Horsecross officially pulled the plug on this year’s pantomime.

The planned show, Cinderella, has now been