Sheriff’s warning of order

Further review set

A Coatbridge man who acted aggressively towards his partner has been warned he must improve his engagement with his court order punishment.

Kevin Russell shouted, swore and uttered threats at the stunned woman at a property on Kirk Street, also in Coatbridge, on July 7.

The Sikeside Street resident owned up to his guilt and was later sentenced to a community payback order at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Russell, 37, resurfaced in the dock earlier this month for a review of his order, when his defence solicitor revealed his client wasn’t present at his last scheduled court appearance last month due to a misunderstanding over the date.

The lawyer also stated Russell had been the “subject of seizures” after being diagnosed with epilepsy and that Russell “intended no disrespect to the court with his failure to appear”.

Russell’s solicitor added: “He had a review with his probation officer yesterday and that is going well.

“He has now been put on appropriate medication, which is aiding his capacity to engage. I would ask for the order to continue.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri agreed with this request – but had a warning for Russell, telling him: “This is not the best of reports, but the order is at an early stage and the report mentions your health problems.

“I will allow the order to continue and fix a further review in three months’ time.

“Make no mistake, I will be looking for a much better report on the next occasion.”

Russell’s next review was then fixed for February 19.