Mr Mullin committed suicide in Inverness Prison

Climber Alan Mullin committed suicide in Inverness Prison in March. A fatal accident inquiry into his death is being held at Inverness Sheriff Court.

Inspector Pamela Ross said she had disagreed with a recommendation that Mr Mullin go to hospital voluntarily.

She said the 34-year-old posed a risk to himself, family and police.

Insp Ross told the inquiry a police surgeon called to assess Mr Mullin in police cells after his arrest had recommended he be sent to the New Craigs Hospital in Inverness "on a voluntary basis".

He was a risk to himself, a risk to his family, a risk to the general public, and a risk to police officers if there was another situation Insp Pamela Ross

But the inspector refused, claiming he could easily discharge himself.

Procurator Fiscal Gary Aitken asked: "When there is a suggestion he be taken to New Craigs on a voluntary basis, you were not happy with that?"

The police officer said: "That is correct. I was aware of the history in relation to Mr Mullin.

"Attempts had been made to self-harm. There had been suicidal attempts. I took into consideration of his conduct on the day, and his conduct towards his family.

"It was a situation in relation to his own welfare and health. He was a risk to himself, a risk to his family, a risk to the general public, and a risk to police officers if there was another situation. It was too high a risk."

Police siege

Insp Ross said if there had been had been stipulated sections to control Mr Mullin then "absolutely, New Craigs was the place to go".

Mr Mullin was arrested for breach of the peace on 19 February after a police siege at his house in Easter Ross.

He appeared in court the following day and was remanded in custody at Porterfield Prison, where he hanged himself on 9 March.

Earlier, his wife Marion told the court her husband should have been sent to a psychiatric unit rather than imprisoned.