Woman’s murder charge delayed my work, says yob

A yob missed his unpaid work shift because an ex-girlfriend had been accused of murder, a court heard.

James Reid, 37, was quizzed by a sheriff for skipping the work placement handed to him as a part of a Community Payback Order.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Reid, formerly of Helmsdale Drive in the town’s Foxbar area, but now staying at John Street, in Barrhead, had been given the unpaid hours after brawling with cops.

He appeared in the dock for a review of his conduct when the bizarre reason for his absence emerged.

Defence agent Jonathan Manson said: “He is fairly close to facing breach proceedings.

“There was an incident at that time where his ex partner was involved and she has now been charged with murder.

“But he has got this finally sorted and is getting on with the unpaid work.”

Reid had admitted behaving in an threatening and abusive manner in that he shouted, swore, and uttered racially offensive remarks and struggled with police on July 17, 2017, at Foxbar in Paisley.

He also admitted assaulting a police officer on the same date.

Previously, Reid had been convicted of hindering and obstructing police, resisting arrest and running away from officers.

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew tore a strip off him as he had barely completed 50 hours out 150 given him by the court.

He said: “Get your finger out. We have been here for months. I have very patient. Now get to the end of your unpaid work.”

Reid will appear for a review of his conduct on September 4.