Man 'addicted' to guns given first crime order of its kind

A man who told police he was “addicted” to firearms has been given Scotland’s first standalone Serious Crime Prevention Order.

David Collins, who has a string of convictions involving weapons, has spent time in jail for possessing guns and ammunition.

He was also recalled to prison for breaching both his parole and supervised release order.

In addition, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (Copfs) said the 43-year-old has previously made threats to kill family members, work colleagues, bus drivers and police officers.

Now, in a Scottish first, Copfs has secured a standalone SCPO which allows for “intensive monitoring” to prevent further reoffending.

The orders have, until now, only been issued at the time of sentencing but the Crown Office made the case during civil proceedings at Inverness Sheriff Court on Wednesday that Collins’ movements should be restricted to stop him returning to serious crime.

As part of the three-year order, he will now be required to undertake counselling and report frequently to a police station.

He is also banned from having any firearms and has had his access to phones, computers and other communication devices limited.

Jennifer Harrower, procurator fiscal for specialist casework, said: “An SCPO allows for intensive monitoring of an individual and is designed to prevent someone committing further offences.

“David Collins’ actions have caused considerable fear and alarm over the years. Hopefully the restrictions placed on him will give some peace of mind to the community.

“This order is the first of its kind in Scotland; it has been pursued and granted as a standalone SCPO, separate from the conviction process.

“It shows prosecutors will use all measures at our disposal to disrupt criminal activity.”