Sheriff says man must learn a lesson

A chip shop boss narrowly avoided a prison sentence after breaching a nonharassment order and failing to turn up for court.

Ali Arayan repeatedly made visits to a former partner’s home in Dundee last year, despite being ordered to stay away from her.

The 39-year-old also missed a court appearance earlier this month after sleeping in.

Sheriff Grant Mcculloch said: “This is a man with no regard to court orders, bail orders and a non-harassment order. I think it’s about time Mr Arayan learned a lesson.”

In 2019, Arayan was given unpaid work and placed on the nonharassment order for three years after he admitted repeatedly punching an ex-partner and attacking a child.

Fiscal depute Emily Hood said: “Numerous neighbours had seen the accused coming and going from the complainer’s address.”

Arayan, of Scooniehill Road, St Andrews, pled guilty to breaching the non-harassment order between March 1 and June 7 2020 by entering a property and contacting his ex-partner.

He appeared from custody after being arrested on a nonappearance warrant.

Solicitor Jane Caird said Arayan had slept in and missed the court appearance.

She said Arayan tried to hand himself in to police in St Andrews but was told he would have to answer the warrant in Dundee.

Sheriff Mcculloch warned Arayan he was at risk of being jailed, but instead imposed a fine of £750.

He said: “A significant breach of a court order is a matter of concern. Given the fact your expartner was not unhappy at the fact you were there, I am prepared not to impose a custodial sentence.”