Fined for row after works party

A worker on a Blairgowrie building site was taken home after over-indulging in the Christmas spirit as the development shut down early for the festive season.

But 37-year-old Alan Farquharson got a phone call asking him to collect a colleague’s tools.

And when he was refused access to pick them up, an argument developed - and the police were contacted.

But he lost the plot and had to be“restrained on the ground because of his aggressive behaviour,” Perth Sheriff Court was told.

He spent a night in the police cells and was fined £400 - more than a week’s wages - when he appeared for sentence this week.

The accused, of

Allandale, Bonnington Road, Rattray, admitted shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner at Upper Allan Street, Blairgowrie, on December 6 last year.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the workers had a Christmas meal and party in a portable cabin on the site, where spirits were consumed.

As one of the men went to the toilet, he saw the accused“heavily under the influence of alcohol and acting aggressively.”

Two of the men tried to calm him down and he was “walked to his home.”

But he returned about 5pm, when he continued to shout and swear, so the police were alerted.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said the majority of the workers were Polish and the party was held early to allow them to get home for Christmas.

She added:“Mr Farquharson had consumed far too much alcohol and was taken home.

“But he then received a phone call from a fellow worker asking him to pick up some tools he required over the Christmas period.

“Due to his state of intoxication, he wasn’t allowed back onto the site.

“An argument began and he was shouting and swearing.”