An arm severely infested with scabies mites. Image: Shutterstock
An Aberdeen court had to be abruptly adjourned and closed after it emerged an accused person in the dock had scabies.
The unplanned adjournment took place shortly before lunchtime on Tuesday, with solicitors, public and press asked to leave the courtroom.
The sudden break in proceedings was initially met with confusion before word filtered through that an accused in an earlier case had scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites.
‘We are satisfied that there was no risk to anyone in the court’
The room, including the dock area, was cleaned while the court was closed.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) later confirmed that there was “no risk” of the condition being spread and court was able to resume as normal.
A spokesman for SCTS said: “A court in Aberdeen Sheriff Court was closed for a brief period while investigations took place.
“We are satisfied that there was no risk to anyone in the court and the court continued at 2pm.”
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen as well as crime and breaking incidents, join our Facebook group.
Aberdeen court adjourned over scabies scare – but no risk to public
