Blantyre man pleads firing a crossbow at policeman before setting house on fire
A judge heard Hutchison was in ‘self-destruct mode’ following the death of his cancer stricken dad two days earlier
A crazed thug blasted a police officer with a loaded crossbow amid claims he was struggling with his father's death.
Christopher Hutchison shot Sergeant Stuart Morrison during chaotic scenes at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire last October.
Armed officers rushed to the property after the 37 year-old was seen with the potentially deadly weapon.
Sgt Morrison fortunately escaped without any serious injury – but Hutchison still went on to set fire to his home sparking further drama.
A judge heard Hutchison was in ‘self-destruct mode’ following the death of his cancer stricken dad two days earlier.
He is now back behind bars after he pled guilty to charges of assault, culpable and reckless as well as wilful fire-raising.
It emerged he already had a lengthy criminal past with a recent jail term for hurling items – including heaters and a chest of drawers – at police.
Lady Rae warned him to expect a ‘significant’ prison sentence when he returns to the dock next month.
The High Court in Glasgow heard police were initially called to Hutchison's home on the morning of October 24 following reports of a disturbance.
Hutchison was soon spotted with a loaded crossbow.
His house was near two different schools leading to the area being made ‘secure’ as firearms officers were alerted.
Prosecutor Sean Smith QC said the weapon was described as “powerful” capable of causing ‘serious injury’.
Mr Smith: ‘Firing bolts (from the crossbow) carried clear disregard for the safety of others.”
Sgt Morrison was one of the armed officers outside the property.
He was 10 metres away when Hutchison discharged the crossbow with a bolt going through a closed door and striking the policeman.
It luckily only broke the skin on the officer's arm.
A police negotiator was then called to try and calm Hutchison. His girlfriend was also in the house at the time.
But, the thug continued to fire the crossbow out of a window onto the street.
At one point, he shouted that was a ‘warning’ to police.
He eventually dropped the weapon, but only after claiming he had ‘run out of bolts’.
Hutchison then yelled his ‘neighbours better be out’ as he had petrol and was going to set fire to his house.
He went on to torch curtains in the lounge as well as to an upturned bed in a room.
The court heard the blaze spread ‘rapidly’ with the property badly damaged.
Both Hutchison and his partner were eventually taken out of the house.
Euan Dow, defending, said Hutchison's father had died two days before the crimes.
The advocate added Hutchison had a ‘very demanding role’ as his dad's carer and appeared to suffer a ‘bereavement breakdown’ that day.
Mr Dow told the court: “In the morning in question, he was in self-destruct mode.
‘It is clear – taking him at his word – that he did not care if he lived or died himself and appeared hellbent in provoking the firearms officers.’
Hutchison now wanted to ‘express his apologies’ for striking Sgt Morrison.
Lady Rae remanded him in custody and deferred sentencing for reports.
But, she told Hutchison: ‘These are very serious offences. A number of people – including yourself – are fortunate that you are not on more serious charges.
‘While I appreciate there may have been bereavement issues, many people have them, but do not react the way you did.'