Murderer back behind bars following attempted assault

A convicted murderer attempted to assault an employee at a Perth supermarket just months after being released on licence.

William Cook, who is subject to a lifelong licence condition, aimed a punch at a worker after she asked him to leave the city’s Asda store.

At Perth Sheriff Court the 49-year-old, who was originally jailed in 1995, was sent back to prison. He had been released from Castle Huntly in February.

Depute fiscal Tina Dickie said Cook was drunk at about 9.50pm, when a security guard saw him outside “causing a bit of hassle for customers.”

She said: “It was clear he was extremely intoxicated and the security officer asked him to leave and go home.

“The witness approached the accused, who lunged towards her and swung a punch towards her.

“She stepped back and the punch narrowly missed her.”

Police were called and Cook was arrested but became aggressive at the police station.

Cook’s solicitor said he was struggling with living at his new address in Perth’s St Catherine’s Square and had taken to drinking.

He said: “He realises he shouldn’t have been drinking

“He now finds himself in a situation where his life licence will be revoked.”

Cook admitted the September 17 assault and behaving in an abusive manner at Perth police station.

Sheriff Derek Reekie told Cook: “This was someone at their work, who was entitled to be so, and you attempted to punch her – albeit it was an unsuccessful attempt.”

He sentenced him to a total jail term of six months for the new offences.