Escaped Convict John Holland And Prison Officer Christine Robertson Found Naked In Bed During Police Raid

Escaped Convict And Prison Warden 'Found Naked In Bed' During Police Raid

An escaped convict described as "one of Scotland's most feared men" and his female prison warder were found naked in bed together during a police raid, a court has heard.

Ten officers in full riot gear, wielding Taser guns and shields, burst in on the illicit couple at prison warden Christine Robertson's flat in Monifieth, Scotland.

Convict James Holland was found "crouched naked on the bed" and brandishing a "large kitchen knife".

Holland, who was serving eight years for assault and robbery had to be subdued by the stun gun, which the court heard "shot barbs into his chest, putting 50,000 volts through him." He then fell rigidly from the bed to the floor.

Robertson, who worked at Castle Huntly open prison as Holland's personal guard, was also found "completely" naked under the bedsheets, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.

She was taken to a spare bedroom, where Det Constable Miller told the court he heard her giggling and saying "well that's my job f***ed then."

Holland became violent again as he was escorted to the police vehicle, Miller added. He told the court how Holland attempted to hurl himself down the stairs "presumably trying to take police officers with him, but again he was subdued"

Presiding judge Jonathan Crowe asked: "He has spent the last 20 years in jail for crimes of violence, disorder, hostage taking, assaulting police officers and members of the public - he is capable of anything, is that fair to say?"

Det Con Miller replied: "Yes."

Holland was serving time at the open prison at Castle Huntly, where Robertson had conducted a personal interview with him, during which he had revealed intimate details to her about his crumbling relationship with his wife and how he planned to set up home with a lover in Lanarkshire.

Robertson, 45, denies aiding and abetting Holland and charges of attempting to defeat justice. Robertson has lodged a special defence of coercion in the case.

The trial continues.

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