Spared jail over scrap in court

A woman who attacked two witnesses due to give evidence in a Perth Sheriff Court trial has been spared a jail sentence.

But 31-year-old Jacqueline Townsley was warned that if she failed to carry out unpaid work, imposed as a direct alternative to a prison term, she could expect to lose her liberty.

And Sheriff Lindsay Foulis told her that difficulties in child care arrangements wouldn’t be accepted as a valid excuse.

He ordered her to carry out 220 hours of unpaid work but allowed her nine months to complete it in view of her circumstances.

The court was told that violence erupted in the reception area of the Tay Street courthouse moments after Townsley had been cleared by security staff to enter the building.

And as she lashed out at the females, kicking them on the legs, she shouted “f***ing murderer”.

One of the other women was also drenched with juice from a soft drink container as she again screamed “murderer”the court was told.

Townsley, of Northfield Road, Guildtown, admitted attacking the two women - Shannon McGregor and Helen Williamson - in the foyer of the court building on February 2 last year and throwing the juice at them.

Townsley was subject to an October 13, 2015, bail order from the Perth court at the time.

A not guilty plea was accepted by the prosecution to a further charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing at the two other women.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said that the two victims were associates of the accused’s family members.

There were“various family tensions” following the death of a family member.

That had caused the accused and one of the other women to“fall out.”

The fiscal added:“Police were called to assist and intervene.

“Townsley was arrested, cautioned and charged but made no reply.”

Solicitor John McLaughlin said his client had seen the women in the street earlier that day and they had passed without any discussion or difficulty.

“Comments were made, however, when she walked into the court, which caused her to react.

“She’s very embarrassed and contrite at appearing in court and realises her conduct was entirely unacceptable.”

Imposing the Community Payback Order on Wednesday, Sheriff Foulis said although there had been no injuries caused, it was still“a serious matter.”

He added:“What makes it worse is because, on the day in question, you were appearing for trial and the two complainers were witnesses in that trial.

“There’s no suggestion the assault was carried out for the purposes of influencing their evidence but, even allowing for that, you got involved in a scrap in a court building.

“Further, you were on bail in connection with that matter and in those circumstances, custody is very high in my sentencing options.”

He said:“Get on and perform the unpaid work because, if you don’t - and the order is breached - you can take it from me that unless there is really something earth-shattering on the first breach, you will lose your liberty.”