Fraserburgh man admits buying pepper spray for his daughter to use as protection at university

A north-east man who bought pepper spray for his daughter to use as protection at university has been fined.

Arthur Buchan, 51, purchased a canister of the substance from internet auction website eBay in 2017.

The authorities were alerted to the package when it arrived at Heathrow Airport from Italy on May 16 of that year.

A search warrant was issued and police went to his home on Cairnhill Drive, Fraserburgh.

Fiscal depute Gavin Thomson told Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday that Buchan was not in when officers arrived.

He said: “The accused was not present and his daughter said he has previously mentioned purchasing pepper spray.

“The accused spoke to detectives over the phone and admitted buying it from eBay for his daughter who was moving away to university.

“He made full admissions about purchasing it.”

Buchan did not appear in court and pled guilty to being concerned in importing a canister containing a noxious substance by letter.

He was fined £200.