Band frontman ‘tried to strangle trombone player’

Perthshire musician Gavin Munro also accused of making inappropriate sexual comments to three women

The frontman of one of Perth’s most successful bands is said to have attempted to strangle his trombonist with a washing line and attacked his drummer during a boozy 18th birthday party.

Red Pine Timber Company’s Gavin Munro is on trial at Perth Sheriff Court facing a number of charges.

They include allegations that he threatened and assaulted former bandmate Michael MacLennan, who played drums with the group since the age of 14.

He also faces three charges of making inappropriate sexual comments toward three women between 2010 and 2014.

The assault on Mr MacLennan, whose 18th birthday it was, is said to have taken place on November 16 2014.

A witness described how Munro – who the court heard had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol – had “kicked-off” as band members, friends and family gathered at the drummer’s home.

She alleged that he had first attempted to strangle trombone player Chris Marshall with a washing line before turning his ire on Mr MacLennan, who has since left the band.

The witness told the court: “He was staggering around shouting and screaming, roaring at the sky and just going crazy.

“He was so aggressive intimidating and scary that no one wanted to try and get in his way.

“He was kicking glasses and bottles and put his head through three doors in the hallway of the house.

“He then pinned Mr MacLennan against a car and started punching him. Just battering him.

“There was nothing anyone could do, he was just so crazed.”

Munro is also said to have caused significant damage to Mr MacLennan’s home, smashing his head through doors, punching walls and tearing light fittings from the ceiling during the incident.

The witness, who was close to the band, also alleged that she had endured years of inappropriate sexual comments from Munro.

Two further women are expected to give evidence against Munro, alleging that he made similarly sexual and unwelcome comments toward them.

The first witness told the trial: “He would make sexual comments about my body. I didn’t like it at all. It made me uncomfortable.

“I told him many times over the years to stop and he would for a couple of months but then it would start again.”

Munro, of Seals Bank, Bridge of Earn, denies seven charges, including making inappropriate sexual comments to three women at addresses in Perthshire.

He also denies assaulting Mr MacLennan at an address in Bridge of Earn on November 16 2014 by repeatedly punching him on the head and pinning him against a car bonnet to his injury and threatening violence to him and refusing to leave the premises.

Munro is also accused of repeatedly punching walls, punching doors and light fittings and damaging them.

A final charge alleges that he shouted, swore and uttered threats of violence to two people at the Green Rooms in Perth, brandished a bar stool, issued challenges to fight and sent threatening and abusive text messages.

The trial, before Sheriff Gillian Wade, continues.