Roads closed off amid prolonged stand-off with domestic abuser

Emergency services had to close off roads in Arbroath after a man barricaded himself in a room in his flat and began making threats, a court heard.

Crews spent around four hours at Keptie Road on November 20 after Ryan Gilmartin kicked off.

The 28-year-old had been behaving aggressively towards his partner and shouted, swore and made threats of violence towards her.

He punched walls and threw things around before engaging in a struggle with the woman and seizing her by the neck.

Gilmartin continued to behave in a threatening manner by claiming he was in possession of weapons and would use them to harm himself or others.

He barricaded himself inside a room in the flat and made further threats towards anyone who tried to enter.

Numerous emergency services vehicles were stationed outside the flat for approximately four hours and local roads were closed.

At Forfar Sheriff Court, Sheriff Francis Gill ordered a social work report on Gilmartin and restriction of liberty order assessment.

He will return to be sentenced on January 12.