Man sparked major police search

A MAN has admitted causing a ‘man hunt’ after spending hours hiding from police.

Fort William Sheriff Court heard on Tuesday that Scott Goldwyre, of 1 Lower Polnish, Lochailort, ran for the hills when police tried to check his welfare, following a phonecall from his partner who feared he may commit suicide.

Fiscal Depute Ross Carvel told the court that when officers approached the 37-year- old on the afternoon of February 16, at the edge of the A830 road between Locheil and Glenfinnan, he became abusive and threatening before running towards the nearby hills.

Police began to hunt for him and called for back up, which led to numerous officers with dogs searching the area, as well as a search helicopter taking to the air. When located, Goldwyre was again threatening towards police. One officer brought out his CS spray but Golwyre managed to turn it on the constable and sprayed him in the face.

Mr Carvel said: ‘Two officers wrestled him to the ground and then six officers were required to restrain him. Handcuffs had to be applied and he was required to be placed in a leg restraint.’

The Fiscal Depute added Goldwyre was taken to New Craigs psychiatric hospital in Inverness but was discharged without treatment.

Goldwyre pled guilty at an earlier hearing but also admitted a separate charge of growing cannabis on his property when he appeared in court on Tuesday. Defending solicitor Clare Russell said that in hindsight her client knows running was the wrong thing to do, but at the time thought he was being ‘chased in a man hunt’.

She added: ‘He [Goldwyre] was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the offence. He did previously self medicate symptoms of depression and low moods with cannabis but does not consume the drug any more.’

Sheriff Richard Davidson said it was ‘strange’ that a mental health or addiction issue had not been found to explain what he called ‘extraordinary behaviour’. He called for a psychiatric report and said: ‘I cannot make a decision on how to deal with you until these reports look for an explanation into your behaviour.’

Sentencing for both charges was deferred until February 2 for reports.