A young Fort William man who set off a smoke grenade in a local pub causing it to be evacuated left court with an absolute discharge yesterday.
Alistair Greens, 20, of Kennedy Road, admitted setting off the device – which he acquired when he went paintballing – in the Volunteer Arms in the High Street last year.
Procurator Fiscal, Martina Eastwood, told Fort William Sheriff Court: “On September 11 at 12.45am, the pub was crowded and the dance floor was very busy. CCTV cameras showed Greens with a small item in his hand which he ignited and threw on the ground.
“Clouds of smoke flew up and the bar was evacuated in an orderly fashion. When the smoke had dispersed, the discharged canister was found lying on the floor. The Police were called and, after inquiries, Greens was interviewed, but he made no admissions at the time.”
Defence solicitor, Hamish Melrose, said: “He acquired the smoke device when he was paintballing in Aviemore. After he discharged it, people in the pub continued to dance and weren’t put off. They might have thought it was part of the entertainment.
“When everyone had left the premises, they were allowed back in four minutes later. Although it could have been potentially dangerous, in hindsight there was no particular danger.
“He admits his actions were stupid. It was a prank which went seriously wrong.”
Mr Melrose told the court that, following the incident, Greens has been placed on Fort William’s Pubwatch scheme. His photograph was circulated to all licensed premises in the town and he is barred from entering them for two years.
Sheriff Bill Taylor QC said: “This seems to be a case of high spirits rather than criminal intent. For a 20 year-old being barred from licensed premises for two years is a punishment.”
The trainee joiner was given an absolute discharge.
