Prison officer found naked in bed with dangerous escapee, court told

Published on 12/04/2012 12:39

A FEMALE prison officer and an escaped convict described as “one of Scotland’s most feared and dangerous men” were found naked together in bed by Taser- wielding police officers after he absconded from an open prison, a court heard.

Christine Robertson was found in her flat in Monifieth, Angus, with prisoner James “Jimmy” Holland after he walked out of Castle Huntly jail in Perthshire on 16 March last year.

He had to be shot with a stun gun as he stood naked, waving a knife at police.

Officers told a trial at Dundee Sheriff Court that intelligence had suggested Holland – who was serving an eight-year term for assault and robbery – was at Robertson’s flat in the town’s Reform Street. The following morning a “riot squad” of ten officers turned up at her flat.

Detective Constable Dean Miller, 27, told the court two officers used a battering ram to smash the front door open.

He told how the team, wearing full riot gear and carrying shields, then stormed the flat.

DC Miller said he was first to approach the flat’s master bedroom – and when he entered he saw Holland crouching naked on the bed carrying a “large kitchen knife”.

DC Miller said: “He was completely naked. Mr Holland had to be tasered using an electronic stun gun. Those shoot barbs into his chest, putting 50,000 volts through him.

“He was quite aggressive and belligerent. Once he was subdued, I pulled back the covers of the bed to reveal a female underneath. She was also naked.

“She was taken to the spare bedroom by other officers.

“Shortly after, I was ensuring that the route from the living room, where Mr Holland was, to the front door was clear, when I heard her say, ‘That’s my job f***ed’, then giggling.”

DC Miller added that Holland had also become violent towards officers as they tried to take him to a waiting vehicle.

Jonathan Crowe, defending, asked DC Miller: “Would it be fair to describe Jimmy Holland as one of the most dangerous and feared criminals in Scotland?”

DC Miller said: “That would be fair, yes.”

Mr Crowe said: “He has spent the last 20 years in jail for crimes of violence, disorder, hostage-taking, assaulting police officers. He is capable of anything, is that fair to say?”

DC Miller replied: “Yes.”

Prison officer Graham Tait, 47, told the trial that Robertson had acted as Holland’s personal prison officer during his time at Castle Huntly, conducting an interview with him when he entered the jail.

Mr Tait told the court: “Holland was given exceptional day release and was escorted by Christine Robertson.”

Robertson, 45, of Reform Street, Monifieth, Angus, denies charges of aiding and abetting Holland in absconding and of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. She has lodged a special defence of coercion in the case.

The trial continues.