Man jailed after six-hour siege while high on drugs

An Inverness man was jailed for two years after he staged a six- hour siege while high on a cocktail of drink and drugs.

Police in riot gear eventually stormed the Bruce Gardens flat at the centre of the hold-up and arrested Alexander Stewart.

Yesterday, Inverness Sheriff Court heard that the 31- year- old barricaded himself in just after 4 pm on August 1 when police were called by neighbours.

Police reinforcements and paramedic teams were on standby as Stewart refused to leave the flat “without a fight” and threw bottles and a knife at officers.

Trained negotiators were brought in to try to end the siege after one occupant escaped from the top-floor flat down a rope made from knotted sheets.

But mediation failed and police equipped with riot shields broke through the barricaded front door.

Fiscal depute Fraser Matheson told Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood: “After commendable efforts by the police who had riot shields, Stewart was brought under control."

Stewart, who had been remanded in custody since his arrest, admitted be having in a threatening and aggressive manner and was jailed for 24 months.

Mr Fraser said that Stewart had abused and threatened two neighbours who had called the police.

“Officers went to the door and noted that there was blood on broken glass, the walls and floor, causing them concern.

“Stewart refused to come to the door and said he didn't want any trouble. Then officers heard heavy items being dragged towards the door. Stewart appeared on the balcony and shouted threats to police saying they would be stabbed."

Mr Matheson said Stewart threw a wooden coaster, two bottles and a knife at officers from the flat.

About 7.17pm, one man managed to get out and the negotiators were called.

“But their efforts were fruit less and at 10 pm, it was decided to enter by force.

“They were then confronted by a bare-chested Stewart who gave them a torrent of abuse, shouted he would not leave without a fight and struck their riot shields repeatedly with a metal pole before he was brought under control."

Defending, Clare Russell said that in the days before the incident, her client had suffered three traumatic events. “A close friend's partner had taken her own life and he attended her funeral. When he was at the graveside, he came upon his younger brother's grave. Then his partner had a miscarriage and he couldn't cope with those emotions, taking a cocktail of drink and drugs. He does not remember entering the flat."

Alexander Stewart