Man found hiding in a cupboard

A 46-year-old man has been left counting the cost of flouting a bail order banning him from approaching or contacting his wife.

Despite the court order, Shane Seale was found by police hiding in an upstairs bedroom cupboard at her home in Auchterarder on Christmas Day.

Perth Sheriff Court was told his car was seen by police while they were on mobile patrol.

It was parked close to Margaret Seale’s home at Elmvale, Auchterarder, shortly after 8.30pm, according to depute fiscal Carol Whyte.

Officers repeatedly knocked on the door and Mrs Seale answered.

She was described as being “hostile”to the officers.

The fiscal added:“She repeatedly stated that the accused wasn’t in the property but let police in to search.

“He was traced in the cupboard. When cautioned and charged, he made no reply.”

Seale admitted flouting the conditions of a December 4, 2018, order from the Perth court by going to her home on December 25, 2018.

The court order banned him, without reasonable excuse, from seeing her or going to her home.

The court was told that Seale, who carries out removals and deliveries, had been freed on bail on a number of charges.

They included allegations of assault with a domestic aggravation, culpable and reckless conduct, to injury, and four contraventions of the road traffic act.

The motoring offences included dangerous driving, failing to provide a roadside breath test and driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

Solicitor David Holmes said the couple had been in a relationship for 17 years.

She had asked him to come to the house because of family issues.

Seale, of The Old Nursery, Kippen, was fined £400, payable at £50 a month, when he appeared for sentence.