Addict who threatened parents is behind bars

Man also admits stealing items from Asda store

A Perth drug addict repeatedly pestered his parents when he turned up at their home uninvited, threatening them and demanding money to feed his habit.

David Murray’s mother was at the end of her tether and eventually gave in and handed over her laptop.

She told him to “pawn it” as she knew he would then leave them alone.

In another incident at their house in the city’s Linnet Drive, he threw items around while subjecting them to a barrage of abuse.

His behaviour earned him a 14-month jail sentence when he appeared for sentence at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

Murray, of South William Street, admitted stealing shaving items from Asda, Dunkeld Road, on January 4 and shouting and swearing and refusing to leave his parents’ home on November 28.

He also pleaded guilty to flouting a January 5 bail order, banning him from contacting his mum and dad, by going to their house on February 9.

The same day, he entered their house uninvited - and made the threats.

He again breached the bail order by returning to their house on February 22.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said the accused had been “repeatedly asked to leave” but refused.

On one of the other occasions he turned up shortly before 9pm and threatened to throw a brick through the window if they called the police.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said the accused’s mum and dad “don’t know what to do” with him because of his long-term drug addiction.

Since being remanded in custody for background reports, he had been subject to a detox programme.

“He now knows his behaviour is entirely unacceptable,” added the lawyer.

“He recognises that he owes his parents much more than this.”

Sheriff Gillian Wade told him: “You have come to the stage where I don’t think there’s any realistic alternative to a custodial sentence.”

Pointing out that his behaviour must have been “a matter of some concern” for his parents, she backdated the jail term to February 22.

Solicitor David Holmes said: “This man has a drug problem and he acknowledges that. Since being remanded, he was subject to a detox programme.”

Sheriff Wade asked if Murray would be suitable for drug treatment order.