Email terrified a former pal

Sentencing has been deferred on a Coatbridge man who sent one of his former friends an abhorrently abusive email.

Steven Devon will return to Airdrie Sheriff Court in six months due to currently having other matters calling at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Devon, 27, was told by Sheriff Derek O’Carroll that his “hands were tied” with regards to sentencing.

The Kirkshaws Avenue resident pled guilty to sending the offensive message to his victim on February 17.

The procurator fiscal told the court: “At around 11.40pm a former friend of the accused was sitting in her home address and received an email.

“She didn’t read it until 7pm the next day. When she read it, she knew it was from the accused due to the terminology used in the email.

“She reported it to the police who visited the home of the accused and took him to Coatbridge police office.

“He gave a full and frank interview and made an admission. He was cautioned and charged and said sorry for his actions.”

Devon’s defence solicitor said: “It was a friend of his partner whom he messaged.

“He was having a breakdown and would not normally behave in this way.

“It happened around the same time as his offence which is being taken care of in Hamilton.

“He is seeking help as he did not cope well with the death of his father.

“But he has spoken to his GP and is seeking a psychiatric referral.

“The content of the email wasn’t the nicest but I ask if you could deal with this in a lenient manner, or give him a few months to see how he progresses.”

Sheriff O’Carroll said: “I can’t impose work on you at the moment because of your matters in another court.

“It means my hands are tied to some extent.

“I will defer sentencing for six months and ask for an updated report on your progress in the Hamilton case at that time.

“If I find out you’ve not been complying or have been poorly behaved you can expect my sentence to reflect that.”

Aggressive behaviour

An Airdrie man will return to court next month to be sentenced for behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

Connaire Carraghan, 22, pled guilty to both charges from April 14 this year when he placed people in a state of fear on two separate occasions.

Carraghan, who resides at the homeless unit on Thrashbush Quadrant, acted up on Braefoot Road by shouting, swearing and refusing to leave the property of a female, despite being asked to do so.

After being arrested, he continued to be aggressive in the police car en route to Coatbridge police office.

He intimidated the male and female constables by shouting and swearing continuously.

Defence solicitor Luke O’Curry said: “This case was deferred to obtain reports on my client, who is currently under supervision for other matters.

“He is also on a four- month restriction of liberty order.”

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll said: “The reports I have in front of me do not make for very happy reading at all.

“I’ve been told you are unlikely to succeed in a communitybased order but I’ll give you the opportunity, though it doesn’t look very encouraging.

“You’ve been given an opportunity, so I’ll see if you can comply with that.

“I will see you again on July 24 with a progress report on how you are doing before me.”

Sheriff didn’t believe his excuse

A 42- year- old Coatbridge man has been remanded in custody after a sheriff was left unconvinced by his reasoning for missing a mandatory appointment.

Francis Burns will be held until his next court appearance on July 5 .

Burns, of Clunie Place, seemed confused by the ruling of Sheriff Derek O’Carroll and said loudly, “what’s happening?” as he was cuffed by an officer to be led to the court’s cells.

He was due to be sentenced for attempting to steal a car on Heritage Way on February 1.

However, it was deferred to allow for the obtainment of criminal justice social work reports and a drug treatment and testing order.

His defence solicitor said: “My client says he was bedridden on the day he was to attend the appointment.

“He tried to call the social work department but didn’t get through.

“I ask that he be given one more opportunity.

“He has had to attend hospital three times in the past three weeks as he has nerve damage in his chest.

“He pled guilty to the crime at the intermediate diet stage and wants a drug testing and treatment order from the court to help address his difficulty with diazepam.”

However, a sceptical Sheriff O’ Carroll wasn’ t convinced and told Burns: “I don’t buy your excuse.

“We need reports on you which aren’t available today, although a DTTO [drug treatment and testing order] might be suitable.

“A criminal justice social work report and a DTTO will be prepared.

“You’re remanded because of your appalling record and excuse, which quite frankly I don’t believe.”

He was having a breakdown and would not normally behave in this way.