Inmate ‘forced his way into warder’s flat’

A CRIMINAL who absconded from an open prison told a court he forced his way into the flat of a prison officer accused of harbouring him.

James Holland, described in the trial at Dundee Sheriff Court as one of Scotland’s most dangerous men, said yesterday he tricked Christine Robertson into picking him up when he escaped from HMP Castle Huntly near Dundee on 16 March, 2011.

Holland, who had been jailed for assault and robbery, said he had become infatuated with her.

Under questioning, Holland said: “I basically forced my way into the house. I saw the knives and grabbed the biggest one.”

Miss Robertson, who denies aiding and abetting Holland in absconding and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, claims he ordered her to strip and lie in bed naked at her home. She said she feared he would rape or stab her. She has lodged a special defence of coercion. The trial continues.