Falling-out led to firearms find

A domestic argument at a cottage near Glenalmond led police officers to a cache of unlicensed firearms.

Peter Douglas had a large stash of air guns and air rifles at the home he shared with his former partner.

They had been separated for some time, though they continued to live together and he acted as her carer.

That came to an end in November last year when, during an argument, he dubbed her “Satan” and “Lucifer” and threatened to kill her.

Perth Sheriff Court heard he also “physically intimidated her”.

The woman was concerned enough by his behaviour that she phoned a friend who called the police on her behalf.

Officers were soon at her door and, as she welcomed them in, she confided in them that there were unlicensed firearms in the property.

Douglas, 49, of Glenalmond, subsequently pled guilty to shouting and swearing at his ex-partner and making threats of violence.

He also admitted four charges relating to possessing four air weapons without an air weapons certificate.

Sheriff Gillian Wade said: “Your former partner clearly relied upon you. This kind of behaviour is clearly unacceptable.”

Douglas was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work and placed under social work supervision for nine months.

His air weapons were seized.