Unpaid work not completed

A man was called back to Airdrie Sheriff Court last week to explain why he had breached his community payback order.

Daniel Todd, 20, was in the dock over what his solicitor called a “misunderstanding” regarding how and when his client had to complete his allocated hours.

The Glenboig resident had seven hours remaining on an order given to him for engaging in violent behaviour on Church Street in Coatbridge two years ago.

His solicitor explained: “It was my client’s understanding that a certain amount of hours had been done.

“He thought he had nine months to complete 135 hours.

“You’ll see on the breach report he only has seven left to do and there is a motion to allow him to complete that.

“This was a misunderstanding on his part and I’d urge you to allow him to complete his order.

“He admits there is no good reason for failing to complete it, but it wasn’t deliberate.”

Addressing Todd, Sheriff Derek O’Carroll said: “This is unfortunate as I can tell from the report that your order began with great engagement.

“Yet in May it suddenly became very poor.

“I’m not sure how you could have been under the impression you were.”

Todd’s solicitor continued: “He thought he could decide when to do his hours, rather than when he was told to do them.

“He can complete the remainder of his hours in one shift.”

Sheriff O’Carroll told Todd: “You are young and inexperienced. But with regards to this, when you are told to do something, you do it.

“You have two weeks to complete your order and although I am finding you in breach, there will be no penalty imposed on you.”

Hospital outburst

A woman who caused a scene in Monklands Hospital has been told she will be supervised for 12 months.

Lyndsay McGill, 30, owned up to causing a scene in the reception of the accident and emergency department in June last year.

The Cumbernauld resident banged on windows, obstructed staff and behaved in a threatening and abusive manner in front of patients.

The procurator fiscal told Airdrie Sheriff Court: “The area was busy with patients waiting to be seen at 11.25am.

“The accused arrived in the reception area and was advised to sit in the waiting area. She walked out and returned later while under the influence of alcohol.

“At 2.50pm, she began to shout ‘how long?’ and ‘I should be getting treated before every c*** in here!’

“She then began to bang her fists on the safety glass which was witnessed by several nurses.

“They were alarmed and contacted police who arrived at around 3.45pm.

“She continued to shout and swear and when she was placed under arrest she shouted ‘get to f***’ at the officers.

“She was taken to Coatbridge police office but was not cautioned and charged due to her behaviour.”

Before McGill’s solicitor, Alan Ward, had a chance to speak, Sheriff O’Carroll said: “You have a very limited record and it would seem to me a community payback order will suffice here.

“This was unacceptable behaviour but I accept you were unwell and waiting three hours for treatment.

“I will place you under supervision for 12 months and you must comply with all orders from your officer.

“If you don’t then you will be brought back before me and you will be sentenced all over again.

“Don’t let yourself down.”

Accused of tag tampering

A man has denied breaching a restriction of liberty order that he was given for assaulting a woman outside Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Tarik Ardi, from Burnbank in Hamilton, is accused of cutting along the edge of his transmitter as it was “digging into his skin”, causing the signal to disappear.

However, Ardi maintains he didn’t breach his order.

Sheriff O’Carroll said: “You are bailed on the standard conditions and a proof hearing has been set for November 20.

Admits breaching his court order

A man has had his community payback order revoked, and a new one imposed, after he admitted a breach.

Craig Lennon was handed down a community payback order in May as punishment for assaulting a man in Falkirk last August.

The 30 hours of unpaid work that Lennon had completed now count for nothing.

His solicitor Paul Belardo said: “Sentencing for this breach had been deferred but my client accepts responsibility.

“He has n ’ t had his troubles to seek and has a six- month- old daughter.

“I’d suggest revoking the existing order and imposing the same terms without giving credit for the work done.”

Sheriff O’Carroll agreed: “That seems like the sensible suggestion to me. I’ll give you a second chance but you won’t get a third.

“I will revoke the order and impose the same terms. You will carry out 225 hours of unpaid work with no credit given for the 30 you did.”

Your [court] order began with great engagement, yet in May it suddenly became very poor