Nightmare neighbours had bust up with police

A father and daughter have been handed unpaid work after a cruel argument with their neighbours led to a heated incident with police.

Leigh- Anne Gemmell, 30 and Anthony Gemmell, 52, of Allison Street, Ayr, appeared in the dock at Ayr Sheriff Court after a fight with neighbours led to a brawl inside their home involving six police officers.

Leigh- Anne pled guilty to shouting, swearing and making offensive and prejudiced remarks to Philip and Louise Smeeton, telling her neighbour that he belonged in sheltered housing.

Dad Anthony pled guilty to obstructing six police officers as they attempted to enter the family home, blocking the door, lunging out and struggling to prevent them from removing his rowdy daughter.

Depute fiscal Scott Toal said: “The neighbours were returning home when they saw Leigh- Anne Gemmell extremely angry, she approached the complainer and shouted ‘ Thanks for speaking to the rent office about us. You’re a f***** g m*** o, you should be in sheltered housing’.

“Police were contacted. Mr Gemmell answered the door when officers came to speak with Miss Gemmell.

“On hearing this, Mr Gemmell stood in the doorway and tried to block police from entering, calling them b****** s and telling them to let her go.”

Defence lawyer Glenn Davis said Leigh- Anne suffered from physical and mental problems and they both had issues with alcohol consumption.

Representing the pair, he made the point that the neighbours in question had been moved on numerous occasions and this could have been a contributing factor towards the incident.

Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart said there were clearly underlying issues relating to alcohol and ordered the pair to carry out unpaid work. They will be subject to a supervision order for one year.