Charity helper in court

A foodbank volunteer has been fined after verbally slaughtering his neighbour on social media

Greig McMinigle repeatedly posted rude, abusive and derogatory remarks on Facebook about his neighbour, Janet Donaldson in July last year.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard how the 54-year-old who volunteers to deliver food parcels to the elderly called his neighbour an“ugly junkie”a“dirty grass”and“evil”– claiming this was because his medication had altered his mood.

Procurator fiscal depute, Amber Feeney told the town’s court McMinigle was within his Rowantree Road home in Johnstone on July 17, when he posted derogatory comments on Facebook.

Ms Feeney read out the original post to the court, stating:“The post was created around 10am and it stated,‘I’ll not be happy till that ugly junkie Janet is out of the street Rowantree Road or die of natural causes, most fat slag.’

“Another post was published stating,‘Janet dirty grass ugly stop-out fat w***e, Rowantree Road. Evil smack slag, watch out for her, tell all your friends.’

“A number of people commented on the post and the accused replied including knowledge of the complainer’s name, address and a description of her appearance.

“One comment stated,‘clown she may be but she is evil. She knows how to play cops and the housing.’

“The complainer was made aware of these posts and she contacted the police at 10.30pm.

“The posts were shown to police officers who then attended at the accused’s home where he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Defence agent, Cameron Murdoch explained McMinigle’s behaviour was as a result of his medication affecting his mood.

Mr Murdoch explained:“He is a genuine first offender and is extremely anxious.

“His medication alters his viewpoint and is currently on medication for psychosis and depression but he doesn’t offer this as an excuse, more as an explanation.

“His medication causes changes to his mood, Janet is a neighbour and there’s been some sort of neighbour dispute.

“He is ashamed and mortified to find himself in a criminal court and accepts and understands these were particularly unpleasant comments made on a public forum.

“He is employed on a voluntary basis and receives benefits.”

Sentencing, Sheriff Tom McCartney said:“The abuse of someone on social media in this way is known to be capable of causing great distress and upset.

“However, you have no previous convictions and whatever the motivation for the cause of these posts at the time was, I can accept it was largely out of character.”

Sheriff McCartney fined McMinigle £340 and ordered this to be paid at £50 per month.