FORMER death row Scot Kenny Richey walked free from court today after a judge said he had suffered enough.
Richey, 44, threatened a prosecutor in court after being denied bail, the High Court in Paisley heard.
A female fiscal depute and clerk were "frightened and alarmed" by the remarks he made at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on August 26 last year.
But
appearing for sentencing today, Richey was freed by judge Lord McEwan who acknowledged that he had already spent about seven months in custody.
Lord McEwan said: "It is very plain you have suffered much and I'm not going to add to your troubles."
Richey, who spent more than two decades awaiting execution in the US for a fatal arson attack, refused to comment as he walked free from court today.
He was appearing over an assault and robbery charge when he made his outburst.
Richey was acquitted of assaulting and robbing Robert McCall at his flat on July 11 last year at the High Court in Paisley yesterday.
But he admitted breaching the peace by threatening court officials.
Richey left the court building and was driven away in a taxi.
His solicitor Roy Harley said he was "relieved" to be out.
Speaking outside court today, Mr Harley Richey's solicitor said: "In short, there was insufficient evidence to go before the jury and we acknowledge the advocate-depute took that decision properly."
He added: "Mr Richey maintains that the jury's verdict in this case would have been better than a technical knock-out from the defence.
"He apologises for his conduct in court."
Asked how Richey now felt, Mr Harley replied: "I think he's relieved to be out.
"He's going to live with a relative in Edinburgh.
"We hope that he can integrate back into society but it's going to be a difficult task for him given his background."
Asked if he felt bitter about the events over the last six months, Mr Harley replied: "I think so."
