Drunken woman injures PC

A police officer had two stitches inserted in a gash to her lip after she was struck with the handcuffs she was using in a bid to restrain a teenager who had been on a “three-day bender”.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that PC Jill Christie was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary for treatment after the violent encounter – and she could be left with a permanent scar.

The violence took place when 20-year-old Megan Duffy, of Church Place, Coupar Angus, snapped after turning up at a Blairgowrie care home where her mother worked.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the Northlands Home, in Woodlands Road, catered for mainly elderly patients with varying needs and included those with dementia and mental health conditions.

“It was full to capacity at the time,” he explained.

Duffy walked into the building about 3.45pm looking for her mother but left after some minutes.

She was then seen outside – pulling the windscreen wipers from a car, removing the indicator switch and then throwing stones at the vehicle.

And when Patricia Alexander shouted at her to stop, Duffy hurled one of the wipers at her with such force that it left a mark on her thigh.

The accused then ran off but the police traced her in Coupar Angus Road.

When she was told she was under arrest, she kicked PC Scott Mayberry in the groin, repeatedly punched PC Gilchrist on the body and then hit her with the metal handcuff.

Duffy was successfully restrained but she was still unco-operative at the charge bar at Perth police office, again assaulting PC Gilchrist by kicking her on the body.

Mr Kermode said it was “too early to say” if the female officer would be left with a permanent scar.

Solicitor Steve Lafferty said his client had gone to the nursing home, where her mother and aunt worked, “probably” to get more money for alcohol.

“She had been on a three-day bender, so to speak. Her recollection of events is hazy.

“She knows she imperils her liberty, given her conduct, which was clearly unacceptable. “

Sheriff William Wood jailed Duffy for eight months, backdated to July 21, when she was first remanded.

He told her: “This was an appalling course of conduct which must have been potentially terrifying for those involved and those who use it as a place of residence for comfort and support.”

She had effectively caused mayhem and had shown “complete disregard” for patients and staff, who included her mother.

Her conduct towards police, who were simply doing their job, was also branded “appalling”. and Sylvia Sutherland for almost 20 years.

They watched in horror on CCTV as he systematically targeted every window in their home, causing damage totalling almost £12,000.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode told Perth Sheriff Court that 20 of the windows were completely smashed, while a further seven were damaged.

The bill for replacing them was £11,908.80 – and they were also responsible for paying a £50 insurance policy excess.

In addition, their premiums were increased, with further hikes expected over the next three- to five-years.

Roy was spared a jail sentence and instead was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within the next six months.

He was initially told to make £11,908 compensation, at the rate of £200 a month.

But on reflection, Sheriff William Wood reduced that sum to £1335, to take account of the increased premiums the couple would have to pay.

That would be “fairer” to everyone involved.

Roy admitted that on June 19 this year, at St David’s Farm, Madderty, he damaged a total of 27 windows by throwing stones at them.

Mr Kermode explained there had been “long-running” legal proceedings, dating back some 20 years.

They related to a wooded area containing several caravans where the accused, his elderly parents and his brother also lived.

Eviction notices had been raised which resulted in the bailiffs arriving and removing the accused’s parents from their caravan.

James and Sylvia Sutherland lived at St David’s Farm, adjacent to the woods.

The couple were at home about 8pm when they heard “two loud bangs” coming from the front door of their house.

The accused was seen throwing a stone at the windows and the police were immediately called.

Mrs Sutherland then watched as the accused “systematically” smashed the windows at the back of their property.

When police viewed the CCTV footage, the accused could be seen causing damage to “every single window” on the ground floor.

“Police attended very quickly but the accused had left before they arrived.”

He was later traced and taken into custody.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said the accused had returned home after drinking at a local pub.

He was “unaware” of the eviction proceedings against his parents.

When he saw his mother sitting outside the caravan beside her possessions, he “lost the plot” and went to the neighbouring farm, causing considerable damage.

He believed they were responsible for what had happened to his elderly parents.

Sheriff William Wood said he had “just been persuaded” that prison wasn’t needed, despite the scale of the damage and what must have been “a terrifying experience” for the couple.

He also took into consideration that Roy was a first offender. had begun a relationship with Foy’s former partner in September 2015, shortly after they had split up.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode recounted a series of incidents, beginning between 3 and 5am on January 2 last year, when Foy had knocked on the door at Tomcroy Terrace looking for Mr Millar.

He was told he wasn’t there but the accused replied: “Tell him I’m looking for him.”

That led to him going to England for two weeks as there were fears Foy might return to the house.

Three days later, the complainer received a call from Foy demanding to know where he was.

The accused then said: “Get back and face me - I’m going to f***ing kill you” before hanging up.

Around April/May, 2016, Foy made another death threat after telling Mr Millar to “stop messaging” his ex-partner.

In July 2016, the complainer returned home after a night out when the accused turned up and began to shout at him.

He said: “I know you’re still talking to her.

“You better stop it - I’m going to kill you. I’m warning you.”

The police and fire service were alerted shortly before 9pm on the night of October 16 after banging noises were heard outside Tomcroy Terrace, where the expensive Audi had been parked.

Flames were then seen coming from the bonnet of the car.

Officers recovered the tin of lighter fluid nearby and the burned remains of a lighter.

The fluid had been bought earlier by Foy from the Premier Store in Pitlochry.

He had initially been given gas lighter fuel but said he wanted the liquid variety.

The accused was detained just over a week later but made no reply when he was cautioned and charged.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said a community-based disposal was available as an alternative to prison but Foy was “realistic” of the outcome.

Sheriff William Wood said the accused’s behaviour must have been “very frightening” for those involved.

“There really is only one disposal, which is a custodial sentence.”

Foy admitted a number of previous convictions.

She had been on a three-day ‘bender’, so to speak. Her recollection of events is hazy