Outburst in benefits dispute at Jobcentre

A 24-year-old woman caused mayhem in Blairgowrie Jobcentre after challenging staff over unpaid benefits.

When Zoe Tully was told to speak to her bank about the problem she became aggressive and started shouting and swearing.

Despite being asked to leave, she continued with her outburst.

And when James Pieroni picked up his phone to dial 999 she “lunged across from her seat” and attempted to stop him making the call.

“She continued shouting and s we a r i n g a n d a me mbe r o f s t a f f moved forward to usher her from the premises,” said depute fiscal Claire Kennedy.

“As she was making her way out she knocked over a bin which had been holding the front door open.”

Tu l l y , o f P a r k P l a c e , R a t t r a y , admitted causing the disturbance in the Jobcentre Plus office in Perth Street, Blairgowrie, on May 23.

She was released after her arrest and told not to return to the premises.

But she pled guilty to attempting to get in the following day.

Ms Kennedy said that the accused had gone to the office to speak to a supervisor as she felt she had not been paid.

“She was advised that wasn’t the case and she would have to speak to her bank as to why the money wasn’t showing in her account,” the fiscal said.

“She wasn’t happy with this and star ted shouting and swear ing at members of staff and accusing them of stealing money from her.”

Solicitor David Holmes said Tully had “no memory” of what had happened.

She had not returned to the Jobcentre since May 24.

Sh e r i f f Wi l l i a m Wood d e f e r re d sentence on Tully until Januar y 25 and warned her to stay out of further trouble until then.

“This was an angr y outburst for whatever reasons,” he said. “Let’s see if you can keep a lid on it.” Tully had her bail continued.