Man who wielded knives at police officer spared jail
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A BUCKIE man who confronted a police officer wielding two knives and had to be subdued with a debilitating Pava spray was spared a jail sentence.
At Inverness Sheriff Court, 31-year-old John Wilson appeared for sentence earlier today following the preparation of a background report which recommended a non-custodial disposal.
His defence solicitor, Grant Daglish said his client had a history of poor mental health and addiction problems.
"He has had trauma in his past but has never had assistance.
"He will work with the various agencies to overcome them. He has already cut down on his drinking and wants to address his addictions."
Sheriff Margaret Neilson ordered Wilson of Milton Drive to be under social work supervision for 18 months and ordered him to carry out the maximum 300 hours of unpaid work.
At an earlier hearing last month, the court heard that Wilson kept coming at PC John Bowie, shouting incoherently and waving the knives about at head height.
Fiscal depute David Morton said that initially the spray was ineffective and it was not until several other officers arrived to assist their colleague, that Wilson ran away.
The drama unfolded in the early hours of August 8 last year in Milton Drive, Buckie, where Wilson lived.
A member of the public alerted the police to Wilson standing outside the Scotmid store in the street, holding two kitchen knives, one in each hand, walking up and down the street randomly.
Mr Morton added: "On seeing the officers, Wilson ran away and was lost to sight.
"But he was traced a short distance away lying in a nearby garden and the knives were recovered."
Wilson admitted possession of knives in a public place without reasonable excuse and police assault by attempting to strike the officer.
