Bat takes of advantage of full legal protection to enjoy a day in court

There was amazement when officials flung open the doors of a Fife courtroom to find a bat was in residence.

Some cynics may say Cupar Sheriff Court has been the scene of many “flights of fancy” over the years as defence teams have come up with some truly incredible tales of mitigation.

However few were more spectacular than the one witnessed on Tuesday.

As the court was opened for business shortly before 9am the visitor took off and shot past an official’s head.

Far from being alarmed by the disturbance, the creature calmly made its way to the sheriff principal’s chambers where it settled down to roost right on top of a law volume.

The bat remained there for several hours, resting on top of the tome and presumably swotting up on some fine legal points.

Given its keen interest in the courts, the bat was no doubt aware it is protected by law and could only be removed once a team of experts visited the building.

Photo by Flickr user wit.