Broke bail conditions

A Coatbridge couple who were ordered not to spend time in each other’s company were caught together by police following a tip-off.

While on bail from Hamilton Sheriff Court, Thomas Shewan and Tracey McKay were under strict conditions not to communicate.

The two had appeared at the South Lanarkshire court regarding a separate matter and were bailed in May.

Shewan has since been given 150 hours of unpaid work for the matter which was not disclosed during his most recent court appearance.

However, on August 2 this year the pair broke the order and police received an anonymous call informing them Shewan and McKay were together.

Woodside Street resident Shewan appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week and his defence solicitor said: “She turned up at my client’s house and they sat together for a period of time.

“It came to the attention of police through a complaint.

“I believe a neighbour spotted them.”

As Shewan was subject to a community payback order from Hamilton Sheriff Court, Sheriff Petra Collins decided a fine would be a suitable alternative.

She told Shewan: “I appreciate the situation here and that she turned up at your door.

“However, you’ve been at this game for long enough and there were other ways to deal with it.

“You are fined £100 which is down from £ 150 and payable at £ 10 per fortnight.”

McKay, who wasn’t present in court, had her sentence deferred and is scheduled to appear today.