Offensive textssent toformer girlfriend

A Perthshire man sent a series of text messages to his former girlfriend in Blairgowrie, threatening her with violence.

None of the messages was read out to Perth Sheriff Court – but Sheriff Gillian Wade was sufficiently concerned to order a background report on 36-year-old Shawn Smith, of Main Street, Methven.

She told him: “I am concerned about the threatening nature of the text messages, particularly within the context of your record.”

She deferred sentence meantime until January 17 and granted him bail.

But two special conditions have been imposed.

He has been barred from entering Ashgrove Road, Rattray, meantime - or from contacting or approaching the woman in any way.

He admitted sending the messages, which contained abusive remarks and violent threats, to his ex-partner on December 2 this year.

Depute fiscal Michael Sweeney said they had been in a relationship from June December 2 this year.

She was in her mother’s home at about 8pm when she received “numerous messages.”

He handed over a typed copy for the sheriff to read.

“The police were thereafter contacted and he was traced at his home address on December 15,” added the fiscal.

He was cautioned and charged but made no reply.

Solicitor Billy Somerville will give his plea in mitigation after the Community Justice Social Work report has been prepared.