Custormer’sthreat toshootpubstaff interrifyingtirade

An angry customer threatened to“put a bullet”in a staff member’s head after he stormed into a village pub shortly after midnight.

Out-of-control William Hope then extended the death threat to all the staff during a terrifying tirade at the Kirkstyle Inn, Dunning.

Perth Sheriff Court was told a member of staff working in the kitchen heard raised voices coming from the restaurant area.

She went out and saw Hope who was shouting and swearing.

He was“waving his finger”and claiming that one of his friends had been assaulted the previous evening.

He was told“no such incident”had taken place but he said he would“put a f***ing bullet in her head.”

He then stated:“In fact, a f***ing bullet through all the staff’s heads.”

Depute fiscal Michael Sweeney added:“He then went right up to her face and said:‘My name is Willie Hope — I stay in Dunning.’”

He then branded the staff“liars”as they attempted to usher him out the door. Police were contacted and he was arrested.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said:“He accepts responsibility for this offence.

“He’s aware the nature of what he said would have been an extremely frightening experience for staff.”

He had been having difficulty with medication for his bipolar disorder and that had caused him to“behave in this very strange manner.”

She stressed the threats weren’t something he would have carried through.

Hope admitted repeatedly shouting and swearing and threatening to shoot staff members at the Kirkstyle Inn on May 26, 2018.

Noting he was on remand in connection with another matter, Sheriff Gillian Wade told Hope:“I don’t think there’s a realistic alternative to a custodial sentence.”