Religious outburst recorded onphone

A Perthshire pensioner shouted religious abuse at her next-door neighbours in an early morning, drinkfuelled rant.

They were awakened at 2am by 60-year-old Anne Cross who was shouting and swearing, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

They decided to record her on a mobile phone and were “shocked and distressed” to hear her make a disparaging remark about Catholics.

The accused, of Commander’s Grove, Braco, was ordered to be of good behaviour for the next six months.

She admitted making the offensive remarks, which were aggravated by religious prejudice, at her home on September 6.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said the accused’s comments appeared to be in relation to the number of dogs they have at their house.

Solicitor Billy Somerville said his client had lived at the same address for over 20 years without previous incident.

Around two years ago, however, the neighbours started making substantial renovations which had disturbed her - and her mother.

They also had five dogs, which they had started breeding.

The accused had been drinking but was also concerned that her mother was in bed at the time.

Sheriff David Griffiths said it was a “matter of some concern” when someone with no previous convictions - and aged 60 - appeared in the dock.

“Clearly this should not have happened,” he said.

He deferred sentence until May 17 next year and ordered to stay out of further trouble meantime.