An Angus man threatened police with a knife after lockdown caused an increase in his drinking, Dundee Sheriff Court has heard.
Richard Ohren, 33, admitted acting in a threatening way towards police officers, who went to an address in Kirkbank, Auchmitchie when his “on and off” partner called dialled 999.
The court heard she made the call because of bail orders prohibiting her from approaching or attempting to approach Ohren, who appeared at her home in the early hours of May 28.
Ohren, of Glenogil Drive, Arbroath, flew into a rage when police found him and threatened to “cut their throats with a knife”.
A standoff ensued, during which Ohren kept his hands behind his back, leading officers to believe he was concealing a knife.
It later turned out that he was holding a piece of cardboard.
Fiscal John Richardson said: “It was about 4am when the partner sees the accused and she phones the police because of her bail orders. The police arrived almost immediately.
“The accused was traced at the rear door of the locus. He was noted as being under the influence of drink and or drugs.
“For some reason when the officers asked why he was there, he became quite hostile towards them. He threatened to cut their throats with a knife.
“It was aggravated by the accused making a move with his hands, putting them behind his back. Officers thought he was hiding something and given the previous threat it was correct for them to arrest the accused. It turned out to be a piece of cardboard.”
He said when Ohren was being cautioned he apologised and said he did not mean anything by the threats.
Ohren’s solicitor said his client had previous convictions but his actions that night were “out of character”, adding: “Like everyone, the lockdown has had an effect on him and with his drinking.”
Sheriff Gillian Wade deferred sentence until July 7 for reports to be prepared. Ohren was released on bail.
