Blackout forces court to adjourn cases

A partial blackout caused chaos at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.

As doors opened, attendees were told the building had been hit by a power cut caused by high winds and torrential downpours overnight.

Most courtrooms were unable to open, with back-up electricity being used to light part of one.

Shortly after 10am it was announced all business – about 70 cases – would be heard in two basic rooms at the court’s annexe across the street.

The court officer said: “We’ve got about 40 minutes of power left before the whole building goes down.”

At the annexe, all summary trials called before Sheriff Gregor Murray, with attendance of the accused now excused.

All trials were deferred to new dates – even cases that were expected to be resolved.

Sentence was further delayed for domestic abuser William Petrie because worsening weather conditions had prevented him being brought from HMP Perth.

Almost all other business was adjourned.