Daughter’s ordeal at bus stop
A RAGING father has slammed the Crown Office for striking a deal with a stalker.
The man’s teenage daughter is one of a group of victims of twisted Philip Hoad, who has terrorised residents of the hamlet of Lybster, Caithness, for more than a decade.
Hoad was found guilty of abusive and threatening behaviour against the schoolgirl, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, but was admonished at Wick Sheriff Court last month.
The young victim’s father said: “It is really scunnering as a parent and a law-abiding citizen to watch how these cases have been handled.
“My daughter was waiting for a bus home with a group of friends when Hoad started having a go at her.
“He thought they were laughing at him and started screaming and shouting. It was terrifying for my daughter.
“We have no idea at all why he was admonished. by JaMes MonCUr j.moncur@dailyrecord.co.uk Something has to be done to stop him.”
We revealed on Monday how the Crown admitted making a blunder by accepting a plea bargain in a separate case involving Hoad.
Fellow Lybster residents Stephanie Waterston and Tina Smith told how the lorry driver has made their life hell.
Hoad, in his 50s, faced five stalking charges last year but these were reduced to just one of breach of the peace after a deal was struck with prosecutors.
In November 2013, the Crown Office promised they would no longer strike deals in stalking cases – and Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo has said the decision by the procurator fiscal in Wick was wrong.
The schoolgirl’s dad said: “I’m absolutely astonished they accepted a plea bargain in the stalking case.
“How many offences does this man have to commit before they lock him up?”