Unwelcome visitor to infamous Boleskine House near Loch Ness tried to punch police officer
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A Greek man apparently fascinated by the self-professed 'wickedest man in the world' kept visiting the ruins of his mansion and terrorising a couple there.
Boleskine House, on the shores of Loch Ness near Foyers, suffered devastating fire damage in 2015 and again in 2019.
A foundation was set up to restore the building with Kyra and Keith Readdy living in the Old Gate House and supervising the £1.2 million restoration project.
But Inverness Sheriff Court heard that a constant visitor to the site made famous by former owner Aleister Crowley’s dabbling in black magic, was homeless drug addict and alcoholic Panagiotis Pierrakos (48).
Mr and Mrs Readdy had to involve the police and on May 15 they had had enough.
Pierrakos was seen on the old military road walking towards Boleskine House, previously owned by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Because of his previous visits, police were informed.
Fiscal depute Pauline Gair told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald: “The history of the house seems to be an attraction, especially to occultists who followed the activities of Aleister Crowley at the beginning of last century.
“The couple heard a knock at the door during the evening and Pierrakos had a jumper which had been sitting in the porch.
“Mr Readdy tried to grab it, but Pierrakos squared up to him and pushed his way in, knocking over Mrs Readdy.
“Mr Readdy managed to get him out of the house and Pierrakos made his way up to the ruins to an area known as room one where he was arrested.”
Pierrakos then twice broke bail conditions not to approach the Gate House before another incident on July 17.
Mrs Gair said he again returned to the house and stood staring in the room one area once more.
When police approached him, he threw a punch, missing one officer before he was grappled to the ground and handcuffed.
Pierrakos admitted stalking the Readdys, two charges of assault, two of bail breaches, one of police assault and resisting arrest.
Defence solicitor Natalie Paterson said her client had an alcohol and drug problem which he was keen to overcome with help.
Sentence was deferred until August 31 for an initial drug treatment assessment and Pierrakos was remanded in custody.
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