Lout challenged his neighbours to fight after row over dog

Yob claimed animal charity had been called about his pet

A Paisley man challenged his neighbours to fight in a row over his dog.

Santo Gear tried to goad other residents of Gerry Rafferty Drive in Paisley to fight with him after one of them had a party in their home street.

The details emerged when Gear, 30, appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court to go on trial over the events of March 30 this year.

Gear pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, acting aggressively and challenging others to fight.

Procurator Fiscal Depute Colin Wilson said tempers flared at around 8am on the day in question when Gear confronted his neighbours.

The prosecutor explained: “He was shouting aggressively at one of the witnesses who lives at the locus and was having a party.

“He was aggressive and was in the face of the witness, challenging him to fight, and had to be held back by his girlfriend.

“The witnesses felt threatened and were fearful for their safety and contacted the police.”

Gear left the area where the rammy was happening and went back to his home.

But he returned a short time later and tried to get his neighbours to fight with him again.

Mr Wilson explained: “He continued to act aggressively and challenged others to fight, shouting, ‘let’s fight!’

“He challenged all witnesses to fight and continued to act aggressively and all witnesses suffered fear or alarm as a result of the accused’s behaviour.”

Gear’s girlfriend had to be ejected from the court during the hearing because she was shouting from the gallery telling him not to plead guilty and that he had not done what he had admitted doing.

Defence solicitor Kevin Brady said Gear had been upset with his neighbours after a call was made to the PDSA – The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals – a veterinary charity providing care for sick and injured animals of the poor - about Gear’s dog, leading to him becoming “upset.”

Sheriff David Pender called for background reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing and adjourned the case for that to be done.

Gear, who moved to Erskine after being charged but has since moved back to Gerry Rafferty Drive, will be sentenced for the offence next month.