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Man told cops he wouldn’t leave his flat “without a fight” during six-hour siege

Alexander Stewart
Alexander Stewart

An Inverness man was jailed for two years after he staged a six-hour siege while high on a cocktail of drink and drugs.

Police in riot gear eventually stormed the Bruce Gardens flat at the centre of the hold-up and arrested Alexander Stewart.

Yesterday, Inverness Sheriff Court heard how the 31-year-old had barricaded himself in just after 4pm on August 1 when police were called by neighbours, who had been threatened by him.

Police reinforcements and two paramedic teams were on standby as Stewart refused to leave the flat ‘without a fight’ and threw bottles and a knife at officers below.

Trained negotiators were brought in to try and end the siege after one occupant had escaped from the top floor flat down a rope made from knotted sheets.

But mediation failed and police equipped with riot shields broke through the barricaded front door.

Fiscal depute Fraser Matheson told Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood: “After commendable efforts by the police who had riot shields, Stewart was brought under control.”

Stewart, who had been remanded in custody since his arrest, admitted behaving in a threatening and aggessive manner and was jailed for 24 months.

Mr Fraser said that Stewart had abused and threatened two neighbours who had called the police.

“Officers went to the door and noted that there was blood on broken glass, the walls and floor, causing them concern.

“Stewart refused to come to the door and said he didn’t want any trouble. Then officers heard heavy items being dragged towards the door. Stewart appeared on the balcony and shouted threats to the police officers saying they would be stabbed.”

Mr Matheson said Stewart threw a wooden coaster, two bottles and a knife at officers from the flat which was occupied by a number of Stewart’s friends.

About 7.17pm, one man managed to get out with a makeshift escape ladder and the negotiators were called.

“But their efforts were fruitless and at 10pm, it was decided to enter by force by officers who were suitably equipped.

“They were then confronted by a bare chested Stewart who gave them a torrent of abuse, shouted he would not leave without a fight and struck their riot shields repeatedly with a metal pole before he was brought under control after commendable efforts by the police.”

Defending, Clare Russell said that in the days leading up to the incident, her client had suffered three traumatic events.

“A close friend’s partner had taken her own life and he attended her funeral. When he was at the graveside, he came upon his younger brother’s grave and it brought back memories.

“Then his partner has a miscarriage and he couldn’t cope with those emotions, taking a cocktail of drink and drugs to cope. He does not remember entering the flat.”