Abuse victim put air rifle on display as ‘ deterrent’

letter at a previous hearing and sentenced was deferred.

When the case returned to court last Wednesday Fiscal Depute Laurin Campbell said the offence happened at around 9.05pm and that the accused was the one who initially contacted police saying he “required assistance.”

The court was told how a group of youths were outside Ballantyne’s address shouting “homophobic abuse.”

“The accused then took his ex- partner’s air rifle and put it at the front door so that it would scare the youths away,” explained Ms Campbell.

“Police attended later and the air rifle was in the hallway, next to the front door.

“The accused stated that it was not loaded and that he did not have a certificate as it belonged to his ex- partner.

“The rifle was taken by police and lodged at the police office.

“He was informed that, on the basis of not having a certificate, a report would be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

“The accused, in reply, said he “understood.”

Defence solicitor Mr Irvine said: “He’s 24 and lives at this address. He’s in full time employment, making £ 1,200 per month.

“He has no matters outstanding and the circumstances, as narrated by the Crown, are agreed by Mr Ballantyne.

“It’s a relatively serious offence.” The court was told how the weapon wasn’t loaded. Sheriff David Young told Ballantyne: “Clearly this is a very serious matter.

“It involves a weapon and it was used as a threat, although the weapon was not loaded and not brandished.”

Sheriff Young placed Ballantyne on a community payback order which involves 146 hours of unpaid work to be completed within the next four months.

The accused then took his ex- partner’s air rifle and put it at the front door so that it would scare the youths away