Pensioner admits having axe and making threats in street

A sheriff has called for background reports to be prepared on an Auchterarder pensioner said to have caused a disturbance in Pitlochry while in possession of an axe before he is sentenced.

Sheriff John Rafferty said he wanted a criminal justice social work report prepared on John West ahead of his next scheduled appearance in court in connection with the incident later this year.

The 71 year-old pled guilty at Perth

Sheriff Court to a single charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Duke of Edinburgh Drive in Pitlochry on August 20 last year which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm.

West, who according to court papers formerly resided at an address in the same street and now stays in Auchterarder’s Hanover Gardens, admitted shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence while in possession of an axe.

In addition to requesting the previously mentioned report Sheriff

Rafferty also ordered West to be of good behaviour for the next four months and asked for a second report to be prepared marking his behaviour over the period.

He added a separate psychiatric report on West also being worked on by officials assessing his state of mind at the time of the admitted offence would also be taken into consideration when he is next scheduled to appear in court.

West is due to appear for sentencing at Perth Sheriff Court on July 20, according to papers lodged with the court.