Former soldier given right to roam in spite of history of violence

Man admits acting in a threatening manner in Kinloch Rannoch

A former soldier with a history of violence has been granted bail to allow him to roam the Scottish countryside.

A sheriff yesterday took the unusual step of allowing John Carter his freedom, despite him being unable to provide the court with a home address.

Perth Sheriff Court was told Carter, who made threats and tried to smash up a CCTV system, planned to live rough for weeks at a time.

He was granted bail by giving his lawyer’s office address and promising to stay in touch with them prior to being sentenced next month.

Carter, who has convictions for more than 20 previous offences including breaking court orders, had sentence deferred by Sheriff William Wood.

The 49-year-old admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear or alarm in Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire, on April 18.

He admitted trying to damage a CCTV camera and uttering threats, but reference to a baseball bat was removed by the Crown before he pled guilty.

Carter, who had been staying in Kinloch Rannoch at the time, also admitted breaking a bail condition, imposed on May 10, by approaching Thomas Addison on July 22.

Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, said: “He loves the outdoors and, as soon as he can get out, he goes for weeks at a time.

“The breach of bail incident came after he spent 10-12 days in the hills and words were said between them. No houses are immediately available to him.

“A house was lined up for him but that has been given to someone who split up with their wife. An address in Orkney didn’t quite work out for him.

“If he was released today he would pick up his stuff and go off for most of the period between now and the conclusion of the case.

“He would keep contact with my office and we have his mobile phone number.”

Sheriff Wood granted bail and said: “I will allow him to officially reside as care of your office. There are concerns but perhaps not as serious as they might have been if those charges had remained.”

Carter was fined in April 2015 for two charges of assault to injury and also has convictions for drugs, road traffic offences, domestic abuse and crimes of dishonesty.

He loves the outdoors and, as soon as he can get out, he goes for weeks at a time. JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, SOLICITOR