Two officers on Barra receive commendations for bravery

Two police officers on the island of Barra have received commendations for their professionalism and bravery shown during a firearms incident in Barra in December 2009. PCs Michael Gallie and Blair McMaster were presented with Force commendations by the Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, Ian Latimer and the Convenor of the Northern Joint Police Board, Norman MacLeod at a ceremony in Castlebay Community Hall, Barra on Wednesday 18 August. The two officers were recognised for their actions during an incident on the island of Barra on 16th December 2009.

“Restrained and disarmed”

About 1600 hours on Wednesday 16 December 2009, the accused John Christie (aged 24) was seen by witnesses and was heard to say he was going to get a gun to ‘hold up’ the Co-op. A short time later other witnesses saw him walking through the village carrying a rifle of some description. Alarmed members of the public alerted the police. Meanwhile there were further sightings of the accused carrying a rifle through Castlebay causing fear and alarm to members of the public. Initially the officers attended at the Co-op, but it was quickly established that the accused was not there and was likely to be in the nearby villageof Horve. They attended at his home address where they found the accused in his garden holding a rifle (later established to be an air rifle). He was instructed to put down the weapon, but he repeatedly levelled it at both officers threatening to shoot them. When it became apparent that verbal communication was not persuading the accused to comply, and was still refusing to put the weapon down, Constable McMaster approached and a struggle ensued during which both officers restrained and disarmed the accused, taking him into custody safely.

“Special recognition”

The accused was later convicted of eight offences, including theft of the air rifle, three offences against the Firearms Act 1968 and three against the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Members of the community of Barra requested that the two officers be thanked for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with the incident. Michael is 30 years old with 5 years service, having served initially in Dingwall before his transfer to the Western Isles. In addition to general policing, Michael is an instructor in Officer Safety Training. Blair is 34 years old with over 12 years service and served in Portree for four years and Inverness for seven years before moving to Barra. Chief Constable Ian Latimer congratulated the two officers saying: “Good work is done by many officers and staff across the force on a daily basis, however Chief Constable Commendations are infrequently awarded.Constable Blair McMaster and Constable Mike Gallie are deserving of this special recognition for their professionalism and bravery shown in successfully resolving the incident in December last year.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles