Man to be reported over alleged possession of a knife in Inverness court
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A man is to be reported to prosecutors for alleged possession of a knife in the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court.
Robin Parker (55) was up for sentencing on Tuesday on another matter when the incident was said to have occurred.
It is understood court staff had to wrestle the blade from his hands after he was sentenced for sex offences.
A police spokesman said: “A 55-year-old man will be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with being in possession of an offensive weapon at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 20 December, 2022. No-one was injured as a result.”
Every member of the public is asked to remove metallic items from their pockets when entering the court building following an update of security measures earlier this year.
READ MORE: Security increased at entrance to justice centre
A metal detecting scanning device similar to those in airports was installed in July of this year at the entrance to the court which opened in March 2020 at a cost of more than £24 million.
Security staff can also use a hand scanner should the alarm be set off.
It is understood that no alarms were triggered in connection with the alleged incident on Tuesday and systems were checked afterwards.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: “We are aware of an incident which took place at Inverness Sheriff Court and are currently working with Police Scotland to investigate the circumstances.
"We would like to praise the quick response of the GEOAmey officer and court staff to this incident. We are unable to comment further at this stage.”
Law Society of Scotland president Murray Etherington said: “This is a disturbing and frightening incident, and it’s a relief to hear that no-one has been seriously hurt.
“Solicitors and everyone else working and interacting with the justice system should feel safe in and around Scotland’s courts.
“We know that historically thousands of knives and other contraband items are seized from people entering courts every year, underlining the importance of robust security measures.”
