Court hears of gun threat to couple in Caithness street

A healthcare support worker told a court on Tuesday of the shocking moment when a man pointed a gun at him and his partner in a Caithness village street and threatened to shoot them.

Charlie Bryde (21) told Wick Sheriff Court that they were scared, not knowing whether the weapon Ricky McPhee was holding was real or imitation.

Mr Bryde said that McPhee (25) left them and the incident was reported to the police.

McPhee, of Shelligoe Road, Lybster, denies, on indictment, assaulting Charlie Bryde and Lucas Hughes (known as Daniella Rigby) and uttering threats to shoot them. The drama is alleged to have occurred in Shelligoe Road, Lybster, on August 30, 2023.

Mr Bryde said that himself and his partner were out for a walk at the time.

He said that the accused was one of a group that approached them and started shouting abuse at his partner while looking at her in an aggressive manner.

Mr Bryde said: “Then McPhee took the pistol out of his pocket and aimed it at her first and then me, and said he was going to shoot us. We were quite scared. My partner was as nervous and scared as much as I was. She was shaking.”

Mr Bryde said that McPhee went away and his – Mr Bryde’s – partner went to a nearby house to report the incident to the police.

In addition to the gun charge, McPhee denies threatening or abusive behaviour and making offensive remarks towards Mr Bryde and his partner.

The jury trial before Sheriff Neil Wilson continues.