Jailed for £ 5k damages after rampage in house

A thug who caused £ 5000 worth of damages at his ex’s home during a destroying spree has been put behind bars.

Gordon Pettigrew of Dalton Avenue in Dalmellington was locked up for 162 days following a rampage at his former partner’s home, where he smashed and damaged items at her property in Bellsbank.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard the 49- year- old had asked Margaret Wallace for a copy of an old car document, but upon returning with it Pettigrew entered the house and began destroying her property “going from room to room, smashing items from the house.”

When Miss Wallace attempted to contact the Police, Pettigrew grabbed her mobile and said: “That’s half your f*** ing problem that phone - you’ll not use it again.”

She then made attempts to use her house phone, but Pettigrew pulled all the cables from the device in a bid to stop her getting help.

Police were eventually contacted and tracked the thug who was so obstructive and aggressive that they had to make a call for backup.

Defence solicitor Ian Gillies said: “Obviously these are very serious matters. “There is a great deal of damage. “Obviously he would be in a position to pay some compensation but it would take some time.”

Steering clear of a fine or compensation, Sheriff Desmond Leslie said there was no other alternative appropriate but a custodial sentence.

The Sheriff said: “Your conduct was extremely frightening.

“And with your behaviour towards the police you were displaying a level of complete and utter defiance.”

Pettigrew pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by loitering at his ex partner’s property, entering without her permission and failing to leave when requested.

He shouted, swore and uttered threats of violence towards her, struggled violently with her and kick, strike and throw items of furniture, appliances and ornaments around the house causing extensive damage.

Pettigrew did resist, obstruct or hinder Police constables in the execution of their duty by struggling violently and tensing his arms to prevent being handcuffed.

He was sentenced to 162 days imprisonment.