INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Man pepper sprayed after putting item in his mouth during drugs search
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The court heard Peter Lawlor (42) was in a car when police on mobile patrol noticed the smell of cannabis.
Officers started a drugs search in the Raining’s Stairs car park but Lawlor struggled with officers and attempted to run away, fiscal depute Karen Poke said.
However a police officer managed to hold on to his arm and prevented him from escaping.
During the struggle a glasses case fell to the ground and opened and an “object” fell out, the court heard.
Ms Poke said: “He (Lawlor) picked it up and put it in his mouth.”
Police then used pepper, or PAVA, spray on Lawlor as they were concerned for the state of his wellbeing if he had been allowed to swallow the item.
Ms Poke added: “This had a strong effect on the accused.”
Lawlor, of Kilmuir, North Kessock, admitted obstructing the officers on May 31 this year by attempting to run away, struggling with them and attempting to hide the object.
Speaking for his client defence agent Duncan Henderson told the court: “Despite being an extremely intelligent man he is frankly losing a battle with drugs.”
Addressing Lawlor, Sheriff Robert Frazer told him: “You clearly have a problem with drugs.”
The sheriff imposed a drug testing and treatment order for two years.
