Slash threat man’s spared prison term

Accused under influence

A Perthshire man who threatened to “slash” a woman’s throat - and that of her five-monthold child - has been spared a jail sentence.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that 27-year-old Robbie Johnston was “quite alarmed” when he read a social work report detailing his actions.

His chilling comments were made after an alcohol and drug-fuelled incident in Blairgowrie.

The ground worker, of Isla Court, Alyth, had been helping a friend move house.

But he started drinking - and had also taken an unnamed substance.

“He accepts that wasn’t a good mix,” according to his lawyer, Pauline Cullerton.

He admitted shouting and swearing and making the violent threat to the female and her young child in Blairgowrie on May 13 this year.

Depute fiscal Robbie Brown said the accused had gone out at 9.30am to help with the removal.

She later received a call about 3pm and it was “clear” he had been drinking quite a lot.

He returned at 9pm, “clearly under the influence,” added the fiscal.

He began shouting and swearing and said he was going to slash the complainer and the child.

Ms Cullerton said Johnston had “little recollection” of what had happened because of what he had taken.

“Since this happened he hasn’t taken any alcohol or illicit substances.”

Sentence had been deferred to allow the accused to contact Tayside Council on Alcohol and to receive help with his drink problem.

Ms Cullerton said her client had attended an initial appointment with the organisation but because of a waiting list would have to wait two months to be seen.

Sheriff William Wood imposed a Community Payback Order as a direct alternative to prison.

Johnston, who was said to still be in touch with the female, was ordered to complete 90 hours of unpaid work within the next three months.

He will also be supervised for nine months and will have to attend sessions which are run by Tayside Council on Alcohol to receive help for his addictions.

He accepts that wasn’t a good mix . . .