Nwicker60
29-Aug-11, 13:43
Father snatched son from social workers at an access meeting
A FATHER snatched his son during an access meeting with social workers, and made off with him, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
Police, who traced the accused to his home had to force their way in and were confronted by the accused brandishing an axe.
The drama was outlined to Sheriff Andrew Berry after the father, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared from custody and admitted stealing the boy, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and assaulting the police.
Senior fiscal depute, David Barclay said that child was the subject of a supervision order and the father was availing himself of a supervised visit, on August 8.
The social worker present, noted the accused, who normally had a placid demeanour, was "in a more confrontational mood" and was somewhat detached.
Mr Barclay said, that as the interview was coming to a close, the father stated that he intended taking his son with him and lifted the youngster in his arms, despite warnings that the police would be informed.
Mr Barclay said:“The accused responded that the child was his son and left the building.”
Police who were informed, went to the father’s home and found the curtains drawn on the downstairs windows and observed the accused looking out at one point. He could not be persuaded to allow officers access and as they were concerned for the child’s safety, they decided to force their way in. As they were doing so, they could see the accused coming towards an inner door with an axe.
Mr Barclay: “He was seen to be brandishing it with both hands in an attempt to strike the officers but only succeeded in hitting the glass panel at the top of the door. They gained entry and subdued the accused using a CS gas spray. He went into the bathroom to wash the spray from his eyes and one of the officers was able to grab the child who was safely removed from the premises.”
The father was arrested and while being put the cage section at the rear of the police car, he spat at Constable Kyle Dallas, which landed on his forehead.
An examination by a doctor revealed that the accused’s ability to have driven to his house, had been impaired by drink or drugs.
Solicitor Neil Wilson reserved his mitigation pending reports called for by Sheriff Andrew Berry.
Mr Wilson commented: “The accused is under no illusion as how serious his position is and realises he is probably facing a custodial sentence.”
The father who admitted 18 previous convictions, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 16.
A FATHER snatched his son during an access meeting with social workers, and made off with him, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
Police, who traced the accused to his home had to force their way in and were confronted by the accused brandishing an axe.
The drama was outlined to Sheriff Andrew Berry after the father, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared from custody and admitted stealing the boy, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and assaulting the police.
Senior fiscal depute, David Barclay said that child was the subject of a supervision order and the father was availing himself of a supervised visit, on August 8.
The social worker present, noted the accused, who normally had a placid demeanour, was "in a more confrontational mood" and was somewhat detached.
Mr Barclay said, that as the interview was coming to a close, the father stated that he intended taking his son with him and lifted the youngster in his arms, despite warnings that the police would be informed.
Mr Barclay said:“The accused responded that the child was his son and left the building.”
Police who were informed, went to the father’s home and found the curtains drawn on the downstairs windows and observed the accused looking out at one point. He could not be persuaded to allow officers access and as they were concerned for the child’s safety, they decided to force their way in. As they were doing so, they could see the accused coming towards an inner door with an axe.
Mr Barclay: “He was seen to be brandishing it with both hands in an attempt to strike the officers but only succeeded in hitting the glass panel at the top of the door. They gained entry and subdued the accused using a CS gas spray. He went into the bathroom to wash the spray from his eyes and one of the officers was able to grab the child who was safely removed from the premises.”
The father was arrested and while being put the cage section at the rear of the police car, he spat at Constable Kyle Dallas, which landed on his forehead.
An examination by a doctor revealed that the accused’s ability to have driven to his house, had been impaired by drink or drugs.
Solicitor Neil Wilson reserved his mitigation pending reports called for by Sheriff Andrew Berry.
Mr Wilson commented: “The accused is under no illusion as how serious his position is and realises he is probably facing a custodial sentence.”
The father who admitted 18 previous convictions, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 16.