Angry Falkirk offender pulled knife on armed cops

John Nicholson (53) had called Forth Valley Royal Hospital staff threatening to cut his throat. This led to a large scale emergency response and disturbance as armed police officers descended upon Nicholson’s flat.

After appearing in the doorway holding a knife, he said he thought it was his neighbours knocking on his door.

Nicholson appeared from custody via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, having admitted behaving in a threatening manner at his 29 Thornhill Road, Falkirk home on January 3.

Sean Maher, procurator fiscal depute, said: “The accused sent a message to Forth Valley Royal Hospital stating he wanted to die so hospital staff contacted police. He contacted the hospital again and said he was cutting his throat.

“A multi-agency response was initiated with a number of personnel attending, including a police taser officer, armed response officers, ambulance staff and a senior paramedic.

“Upon arrival the accused would not allow anyone access to his premises. He was shouting abuse and swearing repeatedly, causing significant disturbance to other residents within the block of flats.

“The accused then opened the door and presented a knife towards police officers. He was instructed to drop the knife and was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for assessment.”

The court heard Nicholson, who no longer has any contact with his four children, did not realise it was the police at his door, he thought it was his neighbours.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton sentenced Nicholson to three months in prison.