Drug ‘debt collector’ menaced couple with dog

A “DEBT collector” went to a St Andrews couple’s home with a dog and threatened them with “serious repercussions” unless they paid off £1,150 owed by their son.

Jamie Macdonald claimed he would get “lots of other people” to the house if they did not pay.

Before departing, Macdonald said the couple’s son owed another £100 for the “call-out fee” and gave them a sort code and account number on a piece of paper.

Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard that Macdonald, 32, of East Green, Anstruther, let the dog into their home.

Sheriff Timothy Nivensmith asked: “I presume the dog was not a standard poodle?”

Defence lawyer Larry Flynn replied: “He does not recall, but accepts it was not a small dog”.

Macdonald appeared for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to attempting to compel the couple by threats to pay £1,150 into a bank account on November 24 2020.

Prosecutor Eve Mckaig told the court Macdonald arrived at the couple’s home with the dog on a loose lead and rang the doorbell.

The wife answered and Macdonald told her “I’m here to collect money” and ordered her to pay.

The fiscal depute continued: “The accused stated that the money needs to be paid tonight or there will be serious repercussions.

“He was not holding the dog back.”

Ms Mckaig said the dog then “jumped up” at the woman and entered the property.

The woman’s husband asked Macdonald why he was there and was told: “Your son owes me and my associates money.”

The woman asked what for, and Macdonald told them: “Drugs”.

When Macdonald left, the husband called the police.

Sheriff Niven-smith pointed out Macdonald himself was taking drugs and obtaining them from dealers who “persuade by threats of violence”.

He sentenced Macdonald to 192 hours of unpaid work.

BRECHIN Photographic Society members took in the sights of Montrose to round off their latest busy season.

The camera club is one of the oldest in Scotland, dating back to 1888.

It still has a strong membership, but is always looking for new members, whether novice or experienced.

And it rounded off the latest programme with a photographic walk around Montrose before the end-of-season prize presentation in the George Hotel.