Man sentenced for travelling to illicit party during lockdown

37-year-old was caught 15 miles from home at the height of restrictions

A man who was locked up overnight for travelling to an illicit party during lockdown has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Ian Carmichael, 37, was caught 15 miles from home at the height of the lockdown because the party was so loud the neighbours called the police.

Officers arrested Carmichael after realising he was breaking bail conditions by being in the company of the party host Catherine Mackinnon.

Sheriff John Rafferty said: “A prison sentence would clearly be justified because this showed deliberate disregard for court orders.

“Your record shows you are no stranger to disregarding court orders.”

Depute fiscal Lisa Marshall told

Dundee Sheriff Court: “He had a bail condition not to approach Catherine Mackinnon. There was a report of a disturbance at her address.

“There appeared to be a party ongoing and the accused was traced along with her. He made no reply to caution and charge.”

Carmichael, who ignored lockdown to travel from Coupar Angus to the party in Perth, had only been freed on bail a fortnight earlier.

Carmichael, Crofton Place, Coupar Angus, admitted breaching bail by being in the home of his partner in Florence Place, Perth, on May 13.

Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said: “He has been with this lady for a short time. Unfortunately, what’s taken place is that she wishes to continue with the relationship.

“Mr Carmichael had been staying with his mother in Coupar Angus. His partner had come there and left something and he went to give her it back.

“He had been in her company. It’s fair to say he feels a degree of protectiveness towards the complainer because she was the victim of an assault a week before.”

Ian Carmichael had been freed on bail a fortnight earlier.