A Dundee man shrugged off being tasered, pepper sprayed and hit with a rubber bullet before surrendering to police after a 17-hour siege in the city’s West End.
John Simpson, 58, told police he had a Walther PPK gun — popularised in the books and films of James Bond — during the two-day stand-off on Step Row.
He also brandished knives, threw rubbish from his flat window and told officers he would be sending them home in “body bags” should they enter his property.
The incident kicked-off after Simpson called an ambulance for a woman in his flat, who had seemingly cut her head.
Paramedics called police for assistance, which seemed to enrage Simpson.
He told officers he had mental health issues “caused” by the force and refused to let them in.
Officers deployed taser weapons on five occasions and hit him with a rubber bullet, before using PAVA spray in attempts to detain him.
None of the police weaponry had any effect on Simpson, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.
Police arrival
Depute fiscal Lynne Mannion told the court: “At around 3:55pm on February 16, the Scottish Ambulance Service requested police attend the address on Step Row.
“They were in attendance in regard to a female with a head injury.
“The accused had placed the call to say his friend had split her head open and requested assistance come immediately.
“At 4:10pm police arrived and gained entry to the block of flats.
“They knocked on his door but got no reply.
“Police used the letterbox to try and communicate with the accused.
“There was a small pool of blood at the foot of the stairs.”
At the time, residents told The Courier about their fears, after seeing officers with firearms and dogs in the area.
Torrent of abuse
The fiscal continued: “At 4:45pm he started to engage with officers.
“He was abusive.
“He threatened to put his knife through police officers’ eyes if they entered.”
Firearms officers were requested.
The court heard how the abusive behaviour continued, with Simpson screaming: “If police enter without a warrant they’ll be leaving in a body bag.”
He continued: “This isn’t a hostage situation anymore.
“F**k off or I’ll do you.
“This is your last warning, you f***ing a***hole.
“I’m going down if you aren’t away from my door by 6pm – I’ll stab you right through the eyes.
“I’ll kick you down the stairs.”
Finally arrested
At around 1.30 to 2am, police deployed non-lethal means to try to bring an end to the incident.
The stand-off continued until 10am the next day, when Simpson was finally arrested.
Simpson, of Step Row, admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner between February 16 and 17 2022.
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred sentence for reports and bailed him until July 18.
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