Benefits claimant pointed knife at healthcare firm worker

A MAN who was being assessed for disability allowance brandished a knife at a staff member of healthcare firm Atos.

Norman Allan, 35, pointed the blade at a female disability analyst at the company’s York Place office in July 2012, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard today.

The court heard how Allan produced the blade after becoming agitated and aggressive during an assessment to see whether he was eligible for state benefits.

But the woman – who wasn’t named – refused to panic and managed to talk him out of committing a crime. Her actions persuaded Allan to leave the office.

When he was later arrested by police, Allan told officers: “I brought the fishing knife to show her how much fear I am in.”

The story emerged following a hearing in which Allan pleaded guilty to carrying a knife without having a lawful excuse at the Atos office on July 23, 2012.

A charge which alleged that Allan committed a breach of the peace at the firm’s premises on the same date was dropped after the procurator fiscal agreed to accept a not guilty plea.

But Allan also pleaded guilty to another charge of possessing a knife without having a lawful excuse at the offices of the Prospect Housing Association in Westburn Avenue, Edinburgh, on December 3, 2012.

Sheriff Fiona Reith QC deferred sentence on Allan until March 20 in order for the court to obtain reports about his character.