Sheriff blasts ‘self-obsessed’liar who left his own mum terrified during hate letter campaign

A jealous son who conducted a hate campaign against his elderly mother’s boyfriend has been slated by a sheriff.

Lying Joseph Carson, 59, was branded “self-obsessed,” “uncaring” and “untruthful” after he was convicted of writing poison pen letters to neighbours and friends of his 80-year-old mother Janet Carson and her former boyfriend Ronald Moreland, 76.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that Carson bombarded police officers, a church minister, social workers and members of his mother’s church in Erskine, with horrific claims about Mr Moreland abusing her.

Carson referred to him as “Mr Sleaze”, “a control freak”, and a “worthless piece of dog poo,” over fears his inheritance was being put at risk after his mother started dating Mr Moreland.

But yesterday his web of lies was exposed following a lengthy trial at court, where Sheriff Seith Ireland found him guilty of embarking on a course of conduct which caused fear and alarm to both his mother, and her companion Mr Moreland, from whom she has now separated.

The trial heard that letters began appearing at addresses near his mum’s home in Erskine.

The poison notes began in 2014 when Mrs Carson and Mr Moreland started a relationship.

Mr Moreland divided his time between his new partner’s house at Mains Drive, Erskine, and his place in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire.

But the court heard how he suffered “anxiety” after the vile letters started appearing.

Mrs Carson broke down in tears as she described the torment she was put through.

She said: “It makes me very wary when the door knocks. I’m not sure if it will be another letter or what.

“I was very wary of answering the door. I’m not sure he would ever hurt me, but he certainly gave that impression at times.

“I told a friend that I didn’t want to go back to church because I was ashamed.

“Everyone there thought Joseph was a loving son, but friends and church members would find out that he was not.”

The sheriff delivered a scathing judgment against Carson, of Campbeltown, Argyllshire, who was bewildered and shell-shocked by the finding as he sat in the dock.

Sheriff Ireland said: “I found the evidence of Crown witnesses, including Janet Carson and Ronald Moreland, to be credible and reliable.

“I reject the evidence of the Joseph Carson as being untruthful. I did not find Joseph Carson a truthful person. His demeanour gave the lie to his primary concern for his mother’s welfare.

“He is self-obsessed and uncaring towards the feelings of others.

“He claims he sent letters in order to protect his mother.

“Both Janet Carson and Ronald Moreland were caused fear and alarm by the course of conduct carried out by the accused.

“And letters sent to other persons who know both Janet Carson and Ronald Moreland is a further indication he did know sending these letters would cause fear and alarm.”

It emerged the sheriff himself received letters from Carson during his bombardment of officials, which included both Johnstone and Renfrew police offices, Renfrewshire Council’s social work department and even the Reverend Jonathan Fleming at Erskine Parish Church.

He added: “I reject his account as incredible.

“Looking at the evidence from all the other witnesses, he was engaging in a course of criminal conduct.

“I reject that he was concerned for his mother.

“And I have no hesitation in finding him guilty of this charge.”

Fiscal depute Maureen McGovern asked the court consider a non harassment order to prevent Carson from contacting either his mother at her Erskine home, or her former boyfriend, Mr Moreland.

However, this was continued until the court obtains background reports prior to handing him his sentence when re-appears to discover his fate next month.

Defence agent David Nicolson said he would reserve his submission in mitigation until that hearing.

However, Carson last night remained indignant, even though he had been convicted at trial.

He said: “I am disgusted by this. It is just terrible. I have never told a lie in my life. And I will be appealing against this finding.”

He is self-obsessed and uncaring