‘Last chance’ to avoid jail

Ultimatum given to Strathearn man

A Strathearn man, said to have difficulties with alcohol and illicit substances, has been given “one last chance” to mend his ways.

But 26- year- old Darren Blair, of Graham Terrace, Gilmerton, was warned that if he wasn’t “fully complying” with his latest Community Payback Order, a prison sentence awaited him.

He admitted charges relating to acting in an aggressive and threatening manner in North Bridge Street, Crieff, and upsetting his then partner.

He also bad-mouthed a friend of hers before shouting and swearing in Crieff’s Commissioner Street.

The incidents took place on February 28, July 29 and August 15, 2016.

Blair also admitted stealing £ 26 worth of alcohol from the Co-op in Union Terrace, Crieff, on March 6 - and causing mayhem at a house in Graham Terrace, Gilmerton, the same day.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said Blair had been in a relationship with his former partner for two-and-a-half years and, in the lead-up to the trouble on February 28, they had been arguing about him finding work.

Shortly before midnight, she was wakened at her home in North Bridge Street by Blair banging on the door.

“He was shouting and swearing and calling her a s**t.

“This went on for about 20 minutes and she contacted the police.

“He was still outside shouting when the police arrived,” added the fiscal.

On July 29, he had again gone to her home and started knocking on the window, shouting and swearing and calling her derogatory names.

Her friend told him to leave, which he did, but he later returned.

There was a “brief struggle” with police before he was detained.

The trouble on August 15 followed a similar pattern - he was described as “heavily under the influence of alcohol” at that time.

During the fracas at Gilmerton, the accused, said to have been drunk or under the influence of drugs, tried unsuccessfully to get in the front door of a house in the village.

He then began banging on the living room window and tried to pull it open.

Solicitor Erica Watson said the accused has difficulties with alcohol and drugs.

“Prior to his last sentence, he was consuming a considerable amount of alcohol on a daily basis and taking illicit substances when he could afford to do so.”

“It has taken him some time to acknowledge he does need assistance to deal with his difficulties,” she added.

Sheriff Gillian Wade told him: “You are entitled to one last chance.

“But be in no doubt if you are not able to comply with a very high end community- based order, you will definitely go to jail.”

She imposed a Community Payback Order which will require him to complete 250 hours of unpaid work within a year.

He will also be supervised for 18 months and take part in alcohol and drug misuse programmes. His progress will be reviewed on May 17.