Fine over drunken argument with ex

An early-morning drunken argument with his ex-partner led to a Perthshire man being fined £400 this week.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that 26-year-old Gavin McArthur, of Kirk Wynd, had revealed the “darker” side of his character when he turned up at her home after sending a text message.

He arrived at her home in nearby Croft Avenue, Dunning, about 1.30am on November 4 last year and they both started “chatting and drinking.”

But depute fiscal Sue Ruta said: “He became more and more drunk and his mood became darker and darker. He became argumentative and wouldn’t leave when asked.”

She “became concerned” at his behaviour and contacted the police.

He was arrested by police who arrived at her flat shortly before 3.45am.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said both parties had been consuming alcohol and “things got heated.”

She added: “Emotions were getting the better of both of them.”

The court heard they had been in an eightyear relationship but had separated seven months earlier.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis described the actions of the accused, a first offender, as “just lunacy.”

He added: “You should never have gone round there.

“You have blotted an otherwise unblemished record.”

McArthur, who admitted shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner at the house in Croft Avenue on November 4, was given three months to pay the fine.