Attacker to learn fate next year

A Perth teenager who attacked a 12-year-old girl on a city housing estate will discover his fate in February.

A background report has been ordered on 19-year-old Ben Thomson, of St Boswell’s Place, after he appeared on indictment at Perth Sheriff Court.

He assaulted the young girl in Gowans Terrace, Perth, on December 4 last year by running towards her and pushing her on the body, causing her to fall backwards.

Part of the charge which alleged he held a knife at her throat was deleted.

He was found not guilty after trial of having the blade on him.

He was also cleared on a third charge of shouting and swearing, making violent threats and abusive remarks by shouting at people that they should“go back to their own country.”

It had also been alleged that he had“shouted about the colour of their skin”and that the comments had been racially aggravated.

The prosecution didn’t proceed with that charge, however.

The background to the incidents will be given when Thomson, previously of Victoria Street, Perth, returns to court for sentence on February 7.

Solicitor Linda Clark will give her plea in mitigation then.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis warned Thomson:“If there is no Community Justice Social Work report because you haven’t attended for interviews, you may find yourself in custody while the report is prepared.”