Man’s threat to burn house down

A thug threatened to kill a man, tried to punch him, and burn down a Stirling house.

Stephen Bell, of Diverswell, Sauchie, admitted two charges of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and a charge of assault.

The 27-year-old had made a threat to kill George Hunter and tried to punch him at Station Road in Bannockburn on October 27 this year as well as threating to burn down a house at Randolph Crescent, Stirling, on the same date.

Fiscal depute Ashley Smith told Sheriff William Gilchrist at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday that couple Ellen and George Hunter had arrived back at their Bannockburn home in their white Ford Transit pick up when they became aware of the accused standing next to the driver’s door.

Mr Hunter asked Bell what he was doing and he replied: ‘I will kill you. You old b ****** .’

Bell also attempted to punch Mr Hunter who then hit the accused in self defence, asking him to leave. Bell however continued to shout and swear at the witness.

On the same date about 8pm the witnesses Taylor and Donati were within their home address when they heard loud banging outside and the accused shout: ‘F ****** let me in. Open the f ****** door.’

Bell also uttered abuse before making threats. He said: ‘I’m going to chop you up. I’m going to burn your house down.’

Concerned about their safety, the witness Taylor contacted the police.

The complainer in the matter was a relative of the accused, the court heard.

Bell’s agent told Sheriff William Gilchrist that his client’s recollection of events that day was hazy as he had consumed a significant quantity of alcohol. There were also substance misuse issues and mental health difficulties, she said.

The court heard there were also a number of court cases outstanding which were Alloa Sheriff Court matters.

Sheriff Gilchrist transferred the matter to Alloa Sheriff Court to call along with other matters on December 4 and for a psychiatric report. Bell was to remain in custody meantime.