Sentence progress

A man who dodged jail after he threatened to slit the throat of the duty manageress at Perth’s Salvation Army hostel with a machete, is responding well to his community-based sentence.

In a separate incident, 36-six-year-old Michael McNeilage, of Kincardine Road, Crieff, was caught with a kitchen knife in Coupar Angus.

Despite his “appalling record,” he was spared a prison term at Perth Sheriff Court.

Instead, Sheriff William Wood ordered him to be supervised for two years as part of a community payback order on the threats charge.

He was also told to take part in drug treatment during that time.

At the latest review of his progress, solicitor Paul Ralph said: “He’s doing well, particularly because of the structures in place.”

The accused admitted adopting an aggressive manner towards Shona Stewart at the Skinnergate hostel on November 17, 2019, by shouting and swearing and making violent threats.