Threatened constable

[Nwicker60]

Accused said he would burn officer's house down court is told

A THURSO man, who threatened to burn down the home of a police after he arrested him, has been remanded, pending sentence.
John Mackenzie, 33, also threatened to kill his former partner whom he blamed for getting him detained, Wick Sheriff Court was told yesterday. Mackenzie was arrested after police received a report from him saying she was at his home, contrary to a court order banning the accused from having any contact with her.

The accused, who felt aggrieved at being detained, on April 19, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour, while on bail.
Solicitor Gary Foulis said that the accused apologised for his "appalling" "unsavoury" and "totally inexcusable" behaviour which must have caused the officer distress, at Wick police station, but stressed that there was never any intention to carry out the threats.

The fact he had not had his injections for diabetes, that day, was a contributing factor to his conduct.Sheriff Andrew Berry observed that the accused had previously served four months for a similar type of offence against a public servant and had a history of non-compliance with bail orders.

Mackenzie, of 5 Lyness House, Mount Vernon, who is currently subject to a community payback order, will return to court for sentence on May 15 when the sheriff will consider a background report.