Round-up of criminal cases before Sheriff Murray at Forfar

An Angus man who went on a four-figure window smashing spree in Montrose has had his sentence deferred for six months.

Michael Gray, 29, of Little Nursery, appeared for sentence before Sheriff Gergor Murray having previously admitted throwing bins at windows at seven premises in the town.

The incidents happened on September 18 last year and involved the Star Hotel, Barnardo’s, Crafty Cat, Specsavers and Buth Tabhartas, all High Street, The Hardware Store on Murray Street and North Esk Store on North Esk Street.

Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said the offences were linked to the accused’s mental health and misuse of substances.

Deferring sentence on a low tariff basis until November, Sheriff Murray told Gray: “You need to stay out of trouble.” Also at Forfar:

Robert Watters, 41, of Fyvie, Turriff, and previously The Fiddlers, Dundee, was disqualified from driving for a year after previously admitting driving on Pitairlie Road, Newbigging, in July 2016 while disqualified, without insurance and while unfit through drink or drugs.

The court heard Watters had been the subject of interim disqualification since last June and had undergone programme work following earlier court appearances which the sheriff said was a significant consideration in sentencing for the offences.

Sergejs Smalko, 38, of Drumachlie Park, Brechin, was jailed for four months and banned from driving for seven years after previously admitting driving without a licence and failing to provide specimens of breath for police on August 18 last year.