Dentures thrown at ambulance worker on Wick call

Ambulance technician Claire Gunn got an unexpected reaction when she turned out to assist a troubled Wick woman.

For heading towards her was a set of Tracy Musgrave's dentures.

Musgrave (39) admitted a reduced charge of having behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by throwing the 'choppers' and was ordered to pay Ms Gunn compensation of £200.

Sheriff Mark Lindsay heard at the Wick court that police officers and an ambulance were summoned to the accused's home in Dunnet Avenue, Wick, in the early hours of April 22 following a report that she was considering self-harming.

Fiscal David Barclay said that Ms Gunn tried unsuccessfully to engage with Musgrave who proceeded to throw her dentures at her.

Solicitor Sian Grant said that the accused had been going through "a difficult and emotional time".

Sheriff Lindsay observed that an agreed amendment to the charge accepted that Musgrave had thrown the dentures but there was nothing to indicate whether or not they had struck Ms Gunn.

However, the sheriff told Musgrave: "The courts always take a dim view of such behaviour towards members of the emergency services."

Sheriff Lindsay said that Ms Gunn should receive compensation "for suffering fear and alarm" at having dentures thrown at her.

The sheriff added that he had originally considered a figure of £300 but in light of the accused's early plea he would reduce the amount to £200.

The cash will be paid at the rate of £5 per week.