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Cannabis overdose led to psychosis for Inverness man


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A FIRST offender who overdosed on cannabis assaulted two security staff at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he was being treated.

Fiscal depute Ruraidh Allison told Inverness Sheriff Court that paramedics were called to treat 20-year-old Mark Turner, of Moray Park Gardens, on October 30 last year.

But they had to call police because of Turner’s behaviour.

Mr Allison said: “When police arrived, he was under a duvet in bed and behaving oddly.

“He wouldn’t engage but as the officers prepared to leave, he jumped out naked shouted at police that they were ‘freemasons’.

“He then shook his penis at them and added: ‘I can be gay if you want.’

“Because of this he was taken to hospital.

“The following day, he was reported to have absconded but was traced in the building by security.

“Turner then punched and kicked the officers.”

Defence solicitor Patrick O’Dea said: “He is completely ashamed and appalled by his conduct and wants to apologise to everyone.

“If one wanted an example of the dangers of drugs, then this is one.

“He consumed so much cannabis that the diagnosis was a cannabis overdose and it led to a psychosis.

“Sadly this is not a short-term thing and it will endure.

“This came as a complete shock to his parents as they were completely in the dark about his drug use.

“He lost touch with his friends and ended up in a circle of friends who were not good for him.

“He didn’t have to look for drugs, he was always being offered them.

“They are no longer his friends and this has been a shock to his system.”

Sheriff Gary Aitken ordered Turner, who admitted threatening behaviour and assault, to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to custody.

Turner was also placed under two years of social work supervision.


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