Admits attacking duo in court building

Violence erupted in the reception area of Perth Sheriff Court moments after a woman had been cleared by security staff to enter the building.

And as Jacqueline Townsley lashed out at two other females – one a witness in a trial – kicking them on the legs, she shouted and swore at them.

One of the other women was also drenched with juice from a soft drink container as she again screamed, the court was told.

A psychiatric report is now to be prepared on the 31-year-old, of Northfield Road, Guildtown, following her latest appearance in the dock on Wednesday.

She admitted attacking the two women - Shannon McGregor and Helen Williamson - in the court building on February 2 this year and throwing the juice.

Townsley was subject to an October 13, 2015, bail order from the Perth court at the time.

A not guilty plea was accepted by the prosecution to a further charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing at the two other women.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said that the two victims were associates of the accused’s family members.

There were “various family tensions” following the death of a family member.

That had caused the accused and one of the other women to “fall out.”

The fiscal added: “Police were called to assist and intervene.

“Townsley was arrested, cautioned and charged but made no reply.”

Solicitor John McLaughlin said his client was due to see her psychiatrist again on Friday, November 18, for “further investigations.”

A family member suffers from “significant difficulties” with epilepsy.

And he added: “She has been identified as suffering some of these problems.”

His client had seen the women in the street earlier that day and they had passed without any discussion or difficulty.

“Comments were made, however, when she walked into the court, which caused her to react.

“She’s very embarrassed and contrite at appearing in court and realises her conduct was entirely unacceptable.”

Sheriff Gillian Wade deferred sentence until December 14 and continued the accused’s bail meantime.