Man in courtover murder threats

A young Linwood man who made threats to murder his friend has been admonished.

William McCafferty called 999 on April 1, last year and told the call handler he was going to murder Martyn Laird.

The 23-year-old claims he was so angry at Laird as he believed he had made threats about his younger brother.

Amber Feeney told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 8.40am, the accused was in Old Road, Elderslie and contacted police himself and told the call handler, ‘see if I get my hands on him, I’ll murder him.’

“When asked who he was referring to, the accused stated, ‘Martyn Laird.’

“The call lasted around 15minutes with the accused stating, ‘come in and charge me, see if I get my hands on him, I’ll murder him.

“I swear to God, I’ll murder the c**t. I feel like stabbing every c**t.’

“Officers attended and observed the accused standing in the street looking irate.

“The accused replied ‘sorry’ when cautioned and charged.”

Defence agent Kirsty McGeehan explained this was a “bizarre set of circumstances.”

Ms McGeehan stated: “He lives with his mum who he relies upon because of his difficulties.

“He phoned 999 himself. “He had been friends with Laird but he got the impression that he had made threats about his younger brother at the time.

“Sentence was previously deferred for good behaviour, he has been and he has no previous convictions.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney said: “In respect of this matter, you have no previous conviction and you’ve been of good behaviour for the last six months, I can admonish you.”

McCafferty, of Mill Place, was admonished and dismissed.