A DRUNKEN intruder who sparked a security alert at the Scottish Parliament wanted to “see what Nicola Sturgeon was up to”, a court has heard.
Jake Gibb, who was high on Valium and alcohol, scaled a wall to get into Holyrood on January 14. He made his way into the basement and from there accessed the main chamber and a tower containing ministers’ offices.
The 31-year-old was eventually detained by security staff after being cornered in the MSPs’ garden. He even used the intercom to taunt guards before being caught.
The break-in prompted a “terror alert”, including a full-scale sweep for explosives and biological weapons.
The incident was highly embarrassing for Parliament chiefs, who have spent million on state of the art security scanners and anti-terrorism mechanisms.
Gibb, who is believed to be the first intruder in Holyrood’s 20-year history, pled guilty on Friday to criminal charges relating to the break-in.
The labourer and single father from the capital’s Broomhouse area, pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to committing a breach of the peace by entering the Parliament building without permission and vandalising fixtures and fittings there.
His sister Vicky, who got a taxi to Holyrood in a desperate bid to rescue him, was also detained under anti-terrorism laws.
When officers arrived to arrest him, Gibb told them: “I’m not a terrorist. I’m curious. I just came for a look around. I just wanted to see what Nicola was up to.”
Following the court appearance, he commented: “It’s just as well I’m not a terrorist. Getting into the building was just too easy.”
He issued an apology for his behaviour but also blamed the authorities for failing to install proper security.
He added: “I’m really for Scottish independence, but I feel they [Parliament security] are simply inept.”
Nigel Beaumont, his solicitor, said the incident was “highly opportunistic” and “stupid” as he apologised to the court on Gibb’s behalf.
Gibbs is due to be sentenced next month.
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