Firearms unit responded to fears over man wielding axe in Inverness

A firearms unit and other police were called out when a man wielding an axe smashed a neighbour’s window.

But after police arrested 24-year-old Gavin Hampton and took him to hospital for treatment to cuts he sustained on his hands from the broken glass, he was abusive and threatened police and the medical team.

Hampton, who had stayed in Gilbert Street, Inverness, previously appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted a charge of vandalism and two of threatening or abusive behaviour on March 4.

One was committed on a journey from Gilbert Street to Raigmore Hospital and the other at A&E.

Fiscal depute Pauline Gair told Sheriff Robert Frazer: “He made threats to fight hospital staff and police. But the officers kept him under control at all times so nothing happened.

“However he created a notable disturbance in A&E which was attended at the time by adults and children.”

Hampton was also appearing for sentence on a November 2, 2021 offence whereby he smashed car windows in Carnarc Crescent, Inverness with a hammer.

Defence solicitor Rory Gowans had urged the court to call for a background report which was available and read by Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald.

Mr Gowans said: "He always responds well to supervision. His issue is dealing with unresolved childhood trauma and he self-medicates. He would welcome assistance."

The court heard the cost to repair the damage to the vehicle was £1300 and Hampton had saved all but around £400 of it.

Sentencing Hampton, who had been on remand since March 6, to two years of social work supervision and 120 hours of unpaid community work, Sheriff Macdonald told him: "You have already served the equivalent of a six month sentence."