Loud music led to knife in close

Neighbours were in dispute

A dispute about loud music in a Hamilton flat ended up with a knife being pulled and threats being made.

Sharon Kennedy (42) and 29-year-old Ryan Newlands had caused a disturbance in the Burnside Lane block of flats, where they were staying in May 10 this year, by shouting, swearing, uttering threats of violence – and brandishing a knife.

Both admitted a charge of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner when they appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last Friday.

Fiscal depute Michael Macintosh told the court the incident occurred against the backdrop of a neighbours’ dispute.

A neighbour had made a complaint about loud music coming from Kennedy’s property. Mr Macintosh added: “That complaint was not met graciously and matters escalated from there.”

There was shouting and swearing initially, but both accused went into the common close towards neighbours who had complained.

A knife was produced, but Mr Macintosh pointed out that “parties aren’t clear as to which party had the knife” adding however that each accused accepted responsibility for brandishing the knife, aiding or abetting.

The row, said the fiscal depute, went on for some time. However, threats of violence “eventually dissipated” and there had been no violence or assault.

Police had been called however, and Kennedy and Newlands were taken to Motherwell Police Office.

Lawyer Diarmid Bruce, acting for both accused, explained that Ms Kennedy’s partner, who knew co-accused Newlands, had been in prison.

The solicitor explained that Newlands had been homeless at the time and sleeping in closes. Ms Kennedy, he said, told Newlands he could stay with her.

Kennedy, had drinking and was been going through “a bad stage.” Kennedy was usually on good terms with her neighbour Jodie Hamilton “but on this occasion there was a disagreement”.

She had remained at the property until three months ago, said the lawyer, when she moved to a house in West Clyde Street, Larkhall.

Mr Bruce noted that Newlands’ record included an offence for assault from 2013, but there was “nothing outstanding”.

Sheriff Marie Smart noted that the amended charge before the court was “considerably less serious” than it had been originally. It had left out mention of challenging others to fight, repeatedly kicking a door, and pursuing Andrew Emery and Jodie Hamilton and uttering threats of violence.

Sheriff Smart had expressed concern about it being a neighbours’ dispute, but was satisfied that both accused had moved address.

She deferred sentence on Kennedy and Newlands for good behaviour until February 21 next year and both were ordered to appear on that date.