Drunk jailed for attack bid in city street

Sheriff:‘Youknowthereisaproblem’

A six-month prison sentence was handed down to a man responsible for an attempted assault on a Raploch street.

John Robertson (38) tried to punch a rival on the head on Haig Avenue at around 8.30pm on January 5.

He appeared from custody at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The court heard how Robertson, of no fixed abode, began to stare at the ther man while he was walking on the nearby Beatty Avenue.

He then approached and lunged towards him, attempting to punch him on the head. However, he was restrained and the police were contacted.

Defence solicitor Ken Dalling said: “The complainer has his own history of problems. Their paths crossed on this occasion and Mr Robertson reacted badly.

“The question upon his release is to see if he can take steps to deal with his alcohol problems and stay alive.

“He intends to take a different path but time will tell. Ultimately he’s been doing more harm to himself than anyone else.”

Robertson was also appearing for shouting, swearing and making offensive remarks at Raploch Primary School on February 17 and shouting and swearing at Cash Converters in Murray Place, Stirling, last year.

And he admitted stealing a £20 Christmas jumper from Sainsbury’s on December 1.

Mr Dalling said: “He stole the Christmas jumper as it caught his eye. It turned out it wasn’t even the right size and he surrendered it later that day. I’m told the jumper was returned to Sainsbury’s.

“He later arrived at my office with a different Christmas jumper, which he assured me he paid for and was in fact his.”

Sheriff William Gilchrist told Robertson: “The court wishes to know if you are suitable for alcohol treatment. At the moment you are unsuitable. You know there is a problem and I hope you can address it on your release from prison.”

Robertson was sentenced to six months in prison, backdated to February 17.

The question is if he can deal with his alcohol problems and stay alive