A north-east sheriff has delayed sentencing a man who admitted attacking a police officer and court security guard, after his solicitor resigned from acting.
Ian Norrie appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday and was due to be sentenced for two counts of assault.
Earlier this month the 45-year-old admitted trying to butt a G4S security guard in the court building in May last year and kicking a sergeant at Fraserburgh police station during a strip search in November.
But yesterday Norrie’s solicitor Leonard Burkinshaw told Sheriff Andrew Miller that he would no longer be representing the Fraserburgh man.
Sheriff Miller said it was “acceptable” for solicitors to withdraw from cases and asked Norrie, who appeared from custody, whether he would be seeking fresh legal advice or representing himself.
Norrie responded that he had never meant to assault Sgt Rory Campbell.
“The police had me on the ground and my leg flicked the officer’s leg,” he said. “I had no intention to assault him.”
But the sheriff told Norrie he has already pleaded guilty to the offences, adding: “The law is clear, you pleaded guilty and you are guilty. We cannot unpick that.”
Norrie, of St Andrews Drive in Fraserburgh, was remanded in custody and has been given time to seek legal advice. He is due to return to court on Tuesday, May 9.