Distress charges

Man denied bail

A Perth man was refused bail after appearing from custody at the sheriff court this week on three charges, including two of asking members of staff at a city centre chemist if they wanted to see his penis.

Forty-six-year-old Robert Basterfield, of Riggs Road, is also accused of having an “unwanted, inappropriate conversation” with an employee at a local bar.

He denied all three charges and will return to court for trial on July 16.

He had an earlier preliminary hearing set for June 28.

It is alleged that on various occasions between June 5 and 13, at The Venue, St John Street, Perth, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly staring at Chloe Robertson, who works there.

He is said to have followed her into a secluded area of the premises and engaged her in inappropriate conversation, all to her fear and distress.

The other two charges are said to have taken place at the High Street premises of Boots, both on June 18.

It is claimed that he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause the women fear or alarm.

It is alleged that while alone with the females , he asked each of them if they wanted to see his private parts - to their alarm and distress.

Basterfield is said to have been subject to a May 1, 2018, bail order from the Perth court at the time.

Bail was opposed by depute fiscal Robbie Brown and Sheriff Gillian Wade remanded him in custody.

The accused was represented by local lawyer Linda Clark.

The accused will have to attend an identification parade, given 72 hours’ notice by police.