Unpaid work for woman who threw dog at wall
A LARKFIELD woman who ‘violently’ threw a chihuahua against a wall before headbutting a police officer has been ordered to complete unpaid work.
Christine McGhee, 51, caused the pet unnecessary suffering which led to it ‘scampering away in fear’ at her home on York Road on August 5 last year.
She also behaved in a threatening and abusive manner during the incident by shouting, swearing and uttering threats, as well as assaulting a police officer.
Greenock Sheriff Court previously heard that police had been contacted at around 7.30pm in regards to a noise complaint.
Officers who attended found McGhee to be ‘dismissive’ and ‘hostile’ after answering the door.
Fiscal depute Maria Murdoch said the chihuahua ‘ran down the stairs and cowered between the officers’ legs’.
Ms Murdoch added: “The accused then snatched it away using two hands and threw it against a wall at chest height, causing it to fall and scatter for cover.
“She was cautioned and charged and she then turned her attention to one of the police officers, headbutting her and striking her on the nose.
“She was eventually taken to the ground by the officers and a cell van was requested.”
Whilst at the charge bar at Greenock police office, McGhee continued to direct abuse at officers, stating: “It’s your job to get headbutted”. McGhee appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing before Sheriff Anthony McGeehan.
He said: “I’ve read the progress report that’s been provided to the court.
“The report is a positive one. “I recognise that you now have a conviction in relation to this offence but the offences themselves are concerning ones and in my view require to be marked by the court.”
McGhee was ordered to complete a total of 140 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, reduced from 210 hours for the timing of her plea.