A drunk Australian sheep shearer shattered a Swedish couple's romantic break in Scotland by taking them hostage in their hotel room, a court has heard.
Benjamin Davis, 31, broke in though the couple's hotel window at the Bridge of Cally Hotel in Blairgowrie earlier this week, the BBC reports.
Until Mr Davis brought attention to the town, Blairgowrie had been notable only for the fact that it is close to the world's tallest hedge - the Meikleour Beech Hedge - but his antics highlight the importance of obtaining adequate travel insurance.
Many backpackers lose possessions following altercations abroad, and cannot make a claim as they do not have an up-to-date insurance policy.
However, comprehensive
backpacker travel insurance would give them some peace of mind should they find themselves in a worst-case scenario.
In defence of Mr Davis, solicitor David Sinclair told the court that he had been drinking alcohol excessively.
"He wishes to offer his unreserved apologies to the victims of this senseless act, particularly the Swedish couple," he said, according to the BBC.
"His position is that he had far too much to drink. He cannot offer any explanation for acting the way he did. He remembers drinking whisky and that's not normally his drink."
