Woman told to face demons

A 43-year-old woman who pulled clumps of hair out of another female’s head - and then attacked a steward at a Perth nightclub - has been told to deal with her “demons” or end up in jail.

The stark alternative was put to Jacqueline Robertson when she appeared in the dock at Perth Sheriff Court.

The first incident took place in Chapel Street, Aberfeldy, at 6am on January 7 this year.

The victim was in her living room when she heard a banging on her window.

When she went outside, she was confronted by the accused, of Breadalbane Terrace, Aberfeldy.

“The accused grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground,” explained depute fiscal Carol Whyte.

“Large clumps of her hair were removed from her head.”

The second assault happened at the Ice Factory in Perth’s Shore Road on March 24.

Robertson tried to gain admission shortly after midnight but was told she wasn’t getting in because she was “too drunk”.

Ms Whyte added: “The accused was angry at being told that and lashed out, punching [the steward] twice on the right side of her head.

“The door steward then tried to push the accused away and she grabbed her hair and refused to let go.”

Fortunately no injuries were inflicted.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said his client was willing to co-operate with a Community Payback Order.

Describing the accused’s behaviour as “very concerning,” Sheriff William Wood said he had given “considerable thought” to imposing a jail term.

But he added: “I am prepared to impose a direct alternative.

“But you have got to stay out of trouble and engage with social workers.

“You must try to resolve whatever demons are playing havoc with your behaviour or a custodial sentence awaits.”

The accused will be supervised for 12 months in connection with the January incident.

As part of that, she will have to undergo alcohol, drug and mental health treatment requirements.

In addition, a 100-hour Community Payback Order was imposed.

Her progress will be reviewed on July 5.

Sentence in respect of the nightclub incident was deferred until the same date.

Jail damage

A prisoner at Perth’s Edinburgh Road jail caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage after he trashed his cell.

Perth Sheriff Court heard that 37-year-old Robert Robertson smashed a television and kettle and damaged walls and a door at the prison.

But part of the charge which alleged that he ripped a sink and units from the walls was deleted.

The accused, who is currently subject to a three-year Community Payback Order, had his sentence deferred for four months when he appeared in court earlier this year.

That was to allow the prosecution time to obtain a breakdown of the cost of the damage and to give the accused an opportunity to save up towards possible compensation.

Depute fiscal Nicola Gillespie told the court that the cost of the damage was estimated at £1187.

But Robertson’s lawyer explained that his client’s finances were “very restricted”.

He was paid benefits at the rate of £146 a fortnight and had little left after paying for household expenses.

Sheriff Gillian Wade said she had considered imposing a compensation order after Robertson admitted wilfully or recklessly damaging the property at the jail on March 23 last year.

But instead she imposed a Community Payback Order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Robertson, now of Duncan Crescent, Dunfermline, was given 12 months to complete the order.

Air rifle found

An air rifle was found in the boot of a car after a drink/ driver was involved in a smash on a Perthshire country road.

And 52-year-old James Garrett had no licence for the weapon, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

The incidents led to him being banned from driving for 28 months and fined a total of £600.

He admitted driving with more than five times the legal alcohol limit on the A984, near Bendochy, Coupar Angus, on April 17 this year.

His reading was 118 milligrams, in excess of the maximum of 22.

He also had the air weapon without the necessary paperwork.

Depute fiscal Nicola Gillespie said an ambulance was called after the smash and alcohol was detected on the accused’s breath.

He failed a roadside breath test and was subsequently put through the various procedures at Perth police headquarters.

Unfortunately for him, the boot had sprung open during the accident and police saw a rifler case containing the air gun, valued at £180.

He told police he wasn’t aware that he needed a licence for it in Scotland.

The accused grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground. Large clumps of hair were removed

Lawyer Paul Ralph said Garrett had been working north of the border as a security guard.

His client was aware a “significant disqualification” would be imposed as he had a previous drink/driving conviction, albeit outwith the past 10 years.

As well as the fine and ban, Sheriff Gillian Wade ordered the rifle to be forfeited.

The accused, of Wrexham, will pay the penalties as £40 a month.