Lerwick, Scotland – A police officer deployed pepper spray on a man attempting to gouge his eye during a violent altercation, as revealed in court proceedings. Paul Bonnar, 44, and his son Calum, 23, confessed to assaulting and resisting police officers in Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday. The confrontation escalated to the extent that additional officers were called in to contain the situation, emphasizing the risks faced by Shetland officers in dangerous encounters.
The incident took place late at night on February 14 last year, when the father and son, both from Kirn, Dunoon, were in Shetland for work. After being asked to vacate their employer-provided accommodation, Paul Bonnar contacted a former partner for a place to stay at her grandfather’s residence in Gott, Tingwall. Ignoring the lack of confirmation, the duo immediately headed to the address, where they were met with suspicion by the homeowner, who alerted the police upon hearing noises from the garage.
Upon arrival, the officers were met with aggressive behavior from the men, leading to their arrest. The situation took a violent turn when Paul Bonnar resisted arrest, managing to remove an officer’s glasses, break them, and attempt to harm the officer’s eye. Amidst the altercation, Calum Bonnar also joined in the struggle by assaulting the officer. The altercation necessitated the use of pepper spray by the officer to bring the situation under control. Though the officer sustained minor injuries, no formal medical treatment was required.
The court highlighted the vulnerability of local officers in facing such violence, as only three officers were on duty in Shetland that night. The severity of the situation compelled two additional officers to be called in from their homes to assist. The case has been adjourned for the preparation of criminal justice social work reports, with sentencing scheduled for July.