Dalmellington man’s criminal cry for help

Jul 23 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A DESPERATE depressive felt forced to commit a crime so that he would get help with his mental health problems.

John Sloan, 32, had been waiting weeks to see a psychiatrist.

But, when frustration boiled over, he decided to deliberately get himself into the criminal justice system to get help quicker.

He phoned police and told them he “needed lifted” because his behaviour was unpredictable.

When they turned up at his Dalmellington home, Sloan committed a breach of the peace by shouting and swearing and threatening to kill someone.

He blasted: “You better lift me ‘cos I’m going to stab someone.”

But as soon as officers put handcuffs on Sloan, he calmed down.

He was taken to Ayr police office and held in a cell overnight before appearing at Ayr Sheriff Court the following morning.

Sloan, who has no history of violence or drug abuse, pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace.

His defence lawyer Peter Lockhart explained: “He has a history of depression and mental health issues which were being treated by his GP.

But his GP felt that his condition was deteriorating and referred him to a consultant psychologist.

“He was waiting for an appointment but after three to four weeks he’d still not been seen.

“He became more frustrated and more desperate. It was he who contacted police and generated this breach of the peace.”

Mr Lockhart added: “It’s a sad reflection that’s what someone does to obtain treatment. But that’s what he maintains.”

It seems Sloan’s plan worked, as he will now undergo a psychiatric assessment imminently.

Sheriff Donald Cork told him: “I’m going to call for reports including a psychiatric assessment.

“It may or may not be welcome news but I don’t think I can grant you bail.

“I have to consider the public. You threatened to kill someone, there’s a danger to the public as well as to you.”

Sloan, of Dalmellington’s Dalton Avenue, was remanded in custody.