Hammer waved at police officers

A driver being pursued by police pulled over, got out of his car and brandished a claw hammer at the officers – before resuming his journey.

Philip Nicolson later stopped his car again and fled into a dense wood but was traced and arrested, Wick Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

Nicolson, 45, of Scotscalder, admitted charges of failing to stop when required by the police, assaulting officers and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Sheriff Andrew Berry was told police had been tasked to find Nicolson on October 6 following concern for his welfare. Officers located him on the B885 Brough to Dunnet Head road.

They activated their blue light and siren but although it was clear Nicolson was aware of that, he did not stop.

Fiscal Ross Carvel said 10 minutes later, the accused stopped, got out of his vehicle and brandished the claw hammer at them, shouting and swearing. Then he drove on, stopping again to run into the wooded area.

“The officers got out of their patrol car and recovered the hammer from the passenger seat of the accused’s vehicle,” added Mr Carvel.

The fiscal added the officers took a decision

“The officers got out of their car and recovered the hammer”

not to pursue Nicolson at that point as the wood was dense and visibility poor and waited until reinforcements arrived.

Nicolson was eventually arrested and taken to Wick Police Station where he attempted to punch officers. At one point said, Mr Carvel, the accused got hold of an officer’s baton – but he was disarmed.

Sheriff Berry called for a report to look at any underlying issues relating to Nicolson’s behaviour.

The accused was granted bail and will return to court on January 9 when the sheriff will hear mitigation.