Man’s violent threats during hotel outburst

Former porter kicked off at bar refusal

A 23-year-old man, said to have a drink problem, caused mayhem when he turned up at a Perth hotel at 10am on a Sunday morning and attempted to gain access to the bar.

But when Kelvin Campbell was told he wasn’t a guest and would not be served, he unleashed a barrage of violent threats at the New County Hotel housekeeper.

The accused, who had previously been sacked from his post as night porter there, then left but Jodie Davidson contacted the police as she was “fearful” he might return.

In a separate incident, Campbell, of Ashgrove Road, Rattray, stole a quantity of booze from a Blairgowrie store, before attacking a police officer.

A further brush with the law took place on a Perth housing estate when he threatened to kill police officers as they arrested him.

He was spared jail when he appeared for sentence at Perth Sheriff Court.

Instead, he was put on the Right Track scheme, designed to keep young people on the straight and narrow.

But Sheriff Keith O’Mahony told him: “I want to emphasise this is a once only opportunity. If you don’t engage, or come back before me, you will face a lengthy sentence.”

Campbell admitted that on June 23 this year, at the New County Hotel, County Place, he repeatedly shouted and swore and made violent threats towards Jodie Davidson and her family.

He was subject to a June 5, 2019, bail order from the Perth court at the time.

He also stole a quantity of alcohol from the Co-operative store in Perth Road, Blairgowrie, on October 5, 2019.

He then attempted to head-butt PC Scott Mayberry on the head while subject to bail orders dated June 5 and August 8.

He also admitted a charge of repeatedly shouting and swearing and threatening to kill police in Perth’s Muirton Place and en route to Perth Police HQ on June 4, 2019.

Depute fiscal Mairi Graham told the court the Perth hotel reception area was busy with guests checking out and leaving the building when Campbell appeared.

He started shouting and swearing and making threats.

The shoplifting at the Co-op store involved the theft of alcohol worth £53.25. It was captured on CCTV and an employee had also spotted him but he ran off.

He was later traced at his home, along with other people who were drinking.

Campbell was seen swigging from a one-litre bottle of Russian vodka and he was arrested.

But as he was led away, he became volatile and aggressive.

“He attempted to head-butt one of the officers but he managed to step back and no contact was made,” explained the fiscal.

Police had been called to the Asda store in Perth on June 4 after Campbell was seen acting aggressively while under the influence.

He attempted to make off but was apprehended in Muirton Place.

He was put in the back of a police van but was shouting and swearing and threatening to “kill” the officers.

Solicitor David Holmes said his client had been involved in a number of incidents where drink had been involved.

A background report, however, revealed a “new matter” which might explain his behaviour.

Mr Holmes added: “Without going into any further detail, there may be an explanation.”

Sheriff O’Mahony said his first inclination had been to jail Campbell.

But he imposed the court order to give him a chance to “address certain issues.”

His progress will be reviewed on January 29, 2020, and his bail was