Troubled end to motorhome trip

A Fife man has been ordered to be of good behaviour for six months after a motorhome trip to Angus landed him in court.

Eric Murphy, of Burns Road, Glenrothes, appeared before Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown at Forfar Sheriff Court, where he admitted shouting and swearing at Queen’s Drive, Arbroath, on July 9, acting aggressively and grabbing his partner by the hair.

Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan said Murphy and his partner had parked their motorhome in the town before going for a meal and drinks.

“They returned to the mobile home, there was an argument between the complainer and the accused, more alcohol was consumed and at this time the accused was described as argumentative,” he said.

The woman then told 51year-old Murphy she would be getting a bus home in the morning and at that point he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her out of bed.

Police were called and Murphy admitted he was responsible for the argument.

The accused represented himself before Sheriff MartinBrown and said there had been “some bickering” during the evening.

“There had been a 70th birthday party in Fife I felt we should have been invited to and I contacted my ex-partner,” he added.

Sentence on first-offender Murphy was deferred for six months for him to be of good behaviour.