A shot was fired in the public gallery in Breda’s main courtroom during a major drugs case on Monday morning. No-one was hurt during the incident but proceedings were halted pending a police investigation.

According to media reports, the suspect managed to escape after the shot was fired. The public gallery security screening was not in use because the case was not considered to be risky, the Telegraaf said.

Forensic specialists are now studying a hole in the stairs of the public gallery and a gun casing found at the scene. Around 10 people were said to be in the public gallery at the time.

Death threats

Lawyer Yehudi Moszkowicz, who was outlining the case for the defence at the time, said he heard a loud bang and that the public in the gallery rushed to one side. Moszkowicz is representing chief suspect Richard J, who has been the subject of death threats, Nos television said.

Moszkowicz told the Telegraaf it is shocking that someone was able to take a gun into court. ‘We were sitting ducks,’ he said. ‘My client’s fears have been partially realised. It is appauling that this could happen.’

Five men from Roosendaal are currently appearing in court charged with drugs production, money laundering and the possession of firearms. Two men, aged 51 and 49, are fathers of two of the others, news agency ANP said.

They were arrested last year after police uncovered a drugs lab in a storage lock-up in Roosendaal. The men are facing six years in jail.