Sentence warning to repeat no-show offender

A no-show criminal has been given a final chance by a sheriff to avoid going behind bars for missing appearances.

Kyle Williamson made it through the winter weather to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court yesterday.

But the Montrose 24-year-old was told by a sheriff he is “on the thinnest of thin ice”.

Williamson, of High Street, Montrose, is awaiting sentence for pushing a man out of a first floor window in the Angus town.

He previously pled guilty to acting culpably and recklessly in Christie’s Lane, Montrose, on May 26 2019 by pushing a man on the body, causing him to fall from a first floor window and land on the ground outside, to his injury.

Sheriff Gregor Murray noted the accused had failed to turn up four times for social work report appointments.

He also said Williamson had twice failed to appear at court over the case.

Defence solicitor Sarah Russo said her client had been selfisolating due to coronavirus symptoms.

But the sheriff questioned why Williamson had not produced evidence that he had been tested.

His solicitor said: “He tells me that he phoned NHS 24 and the advice he was given was that he should self-isolate for 14 days.

“His mother also has significant health issues and is in Ninewells Hospital.”

Sheriff Murray told Williamson: “I will defer sentence and in the background report I expect the social work department to confirm that you contacted them immediately after this court appearance to arrange a new appointment date.”

Williamson is due back in court on March 25.