Jail warning for man who made false claim his ex had cut him

Man was found with blood on his neck and a bloodyknifenearby in his bedroom

An Angus man who made a false accusation his ex-partner had cut him has been told he could be sent to prison.

Steven Connery was initially caught out by police who went to a house on Jessie Street, Blairgowrie, on July 23 after he reported the woman had injured his face with a knife.

The 35-year-old alleged the offence had taken place in March, but one of the officers sent to the call-out remembered the circumstances, and Connery came clean that there was no truth in it.

The cut to his face was caused by him picking a scabbed over cut and claiming it was a fresh injury.

He was warned about wasting police time, but just a few days later, having self-harmed with a knife, he claimed neck injuries he sustained had been caused by his former partner.

Connery, of Esk Park Terrace, Brechin, appeared before Sheriff Derek Reekie at Forfar after sentence had previously been deferred for the preparation of a criminal justice report.

Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan said that in the second incident, Connery had sent a picture message to his former girlfriend which alarmed her and she alerted the emergency services.

The accused was found lying on the bedroom floor of the property with blood on his neck and shoulders, and a blood-covered knife nearby.

Connery later told police he wanted to make a complaint against the woman and said they had been arguing before she followed him into the bedroom and he felt a sharp pain in his neck, and felt blood running down it.

Sheriff Reekie told Connery: “These offences were committed within days of early release from custody for a domestically-related assault against the same lady.

“The social work report alludes to a certain pattern of behaviour and attitudes.

“These are serious and troubling matters. I am prepared to explore other options, but I give you no promise on what the outcome will be.”

Connery will return for sentence on December 20 following the preparation of a further criminal justice report.

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The social work report alludes to a certain pattern of behaviour and attitudes