Man charged with assault following five-hour siege

A 30-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court from custody following a five-hour house siege in West Lothian.

Andrew Blake pleaded not guilty at Livingston Sheriff Court to charges of assault to injury and breach of the peace.

The charges were brought following a major police operation centred on Blake's home at Glenmore, Whitburn.

Blake denied assaulting Clair Weir, whose address was given as c/o Lothian and Borders Police, on December 28.

The charge alleges that he threw an easel at her, knocked a basin from her hand and poured the contents of the basin over her head, causing her to ingest Dettol or a similar substance.

He is further alleged to have struck Ms Weir with the basin, hit her over the head with a Christmas tree, repeatedly punched and kicked her on the head and body, and butted her on the head.

The assault charge also alleges that he placed a cord round her neck and tightened it, constricting her breathing.

The breach of the peace charge alleges that he placed Ms Weir in a state of fear and alarm by making violent threats towards her.

It also alleges that he locked himself in the bathroom with a number of knives, threatened violence towards the police, struck himself with the knives and indicated that he intended to commit suicide.

Blake was released on bail with conditions and trial was fixed for March 1.