Armed police called to Elgin house where man with hacksaw blade threatened to set house on fire

ARMED police were called to an Elgin house after a 52-year-old man with a hacksaw blade threatened to set his house on fire.

The drama happened on the night of August 11 this year in Chanonry Road after officers were called to the property.

Richard Roberts, who was jailed for 20 months, was inside and he told them he would not let them in and would kill himself if they came in the door, Inverness Sheriff Court was told today.

He then went to the kitchen and produced a hacksaw blade, making cutting motions to his neck and wrists, fiscal depute Karen Aitken told Sheriff Sara Matheson.

Due to the threats and the weapon, the Armed Police Unit and a police dog were deployed to the scene, with reinforcements being called from Aberdeen and Dundee as well as trained negotiators.

Eventually, Roberts was persuaded to allow officers into the property and he was handcuffed after a stand-off lasting several hours.

But on the way to Elgin Police Station, he said he had Covid 19 and it was decided to convey him to Inverness instead.

In the police van, Mrs Aitken said Roberts spat in the direction of a constable but it did not hit his target.

Roberts admitted charges of threatening behaviour and culpable and reckless conduct.

Defence solicitor Brent Lockie paid tribute to the female officer who diffused the situation. He said: "She patiently talked him down and he went peacefully. He had been at a low ebb at this time."

Mr Lockie added that his client was socially isolated and there had been a family tragedy which led Roberts into depression.