Booze and drug abuser told to sort himself out if his marriage is to survive

A man experiencing “difficulties” with alcohol and drugs will need to take a tumble to himself if his marriage is to survive, a court was told.

Patrick Reilly, aged 31, of Lanark, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday, January 28.

He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear in alarm in that he shouted, swore, demanded a set of keys and behaved aggressively towards Lynzi Reilly, his wife.

The offence took place on December 27 last year in Smith Street, Ayr.

Laurin Campbell, the Fiscal Depute, said the offence unfolded at 12.45pm when the accused got out of a taxi near a nail bar in Smith Street.

He got out and made his way into the shop where the complainer was.

“The accused asked for the keys to a vehicle but the complainer refused,” said Ms Campbell.

“She considered him to be under the influence and he became argumentative and started shouting and swearing at her.”

The complainer left and was followed out by Reilly who said: “Give me the f****** keys.”

Ms Campbell said: “It’s at this time the taxi driver who was still at the rank saw the accused’s aggressive nature and contacted police.”

Reilly was later traced and taken into Ayr Police Station. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

Reilly’s defence solicitor said: “To his credit the ( background) report that has been prepared says he is open and honest and recognises the difficulties that have loomed over him.

“He has had difficulties with alcohol and drugs . She ( Mrs Reilly) sees a future in the relationship, but only if he takes a tumble to himself.”

Sheriff Desmond Leslie sentenced Reilly to a community payback order which involves 18 months of supervision and 150 hours of unpaid work in the community, to be completed within six months.