Ex-policeman denies chainsaw threat

A RETIRED policeman behaved in a threatening manner waving a chainsaw with its engine running, a court heard.

Thomas Kirsop, 76, of Brudair, North Ballachulish, appeared at Fort William Sheriff Court where he pled not guilty to charges that for two years from 2014 he shouted and swore at neighbours – mainly the Wyatt family – and frightened and threatened them.

When he first appeared in court seven months ago there was a bail condition he could not continue to live in North Ballachulish or adjoining Onich until his trial on March 2andhewenttolivewithhis son and family in Glenshearer, Inveraray, Argyll.

But yesterday his lawyer Clare Russell asked Honorary Sheriff John Hutchison to drop the bail condition and allow him back home into the care of his ex-nurse wife of 51 years or he could die.

The lawyer said the formerGlasgow policeman had never been in trouble before and the 15 original charges had been dropped to six. Among the charges is an allegation Mr Kirsop, on May 29, at the Wyatt home at Glenlea, he “swung a chainsaw while the engine was running and while you were staring directly at Karen Wyatt and other members of her family”.

The sheriff agreed to ease the bail conditions allowing Mr Kirsop to return home. He is banned from contact with the prosecution witness and must stay away from the school and Onich General Stores.