Lerwick, Scotland – A police officer used pepper spray on a man who attempted to gouge his eye during a violent altercation, according to court proceedings. Paul Bonnar, 44, and his son Calum, 23, pleaded guilty to assaulting and resisting officers at Lerwick Sheriff Court today. The violence escalated to the point where additional officers had to be called in to help contain the situation.
The incident occurred late at night on February 14th of the previous year when the Bonnar father and son, visiting Shetland for work, were asked to leave their employer-provided accommodation. Despite being told they could potentially stay at a family member’s home in Gott, Tingwall, the two men immediately showed up at the residence without confirmation.
Upon hearing noises coming from the garage, the homeowner, unaware of the arrangements, contacted the police. When the officers arrived, both individuals became aggressive and were eventually arrested in the garage. During the arrest, Paul Bonnar violently resisted officers, resulting in his son Calum joining in the struggle, causing even more chaos.
In the ensuing scuffle, Paul Bonnar was able to snatch an officer’s glasses, break them, and attempt to gouge the officer’s eye, leading to scratches on his face. The situation became so dire that the officer resorted to using pepper spray to subdue the accused. Fortunately, the officer sustained only minor scratches and did not require significant medical attention.
The procurator fiscal highlighted the vulnerability of local officers when faced with such violent situations, emphasizing the need for more support and resources. The case has been adjourned for the preparation of criminal justice social work reports, with sentencing scheduled for July. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks officers face in the line of duty, underscoring the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being in the field.