Ankle issue leads to new court date for accused

Swelling problem means use of electronic tag could be delayed

A court is being asked to consider waiting months to put an electronic tag on an Angus offender because his ankle swells up in winter.

A social inquiry report flagged up the potential difficulty with putting Forfar man Michael Fegan, 47, on a restriction of liberty order.

The electronic bracelet, which tracks whether a criminal is complying with a curfew, is one of the sentencing options being considered for Fegan after he admitted a breach of the peace in the street near his home.

He previously pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening or abusive manner at Newmonthill, Forfar, on June 27, shouting and swearing, threatening others with violence and referring to two women in derogatory terms. A criminal justice report has been prepared in the case and is understood to have identified the potential medical problem with Fegan’s ankle.

Fegan, who walks with the aid of a stick, responded angrily to Sheriff Derek Reekie at Forfar when he was told the issue meant it was preferable for the case to be continued for the attention of the sheriff who originally dealt with the matter.

The accused told the judge: “Back and forth doesn’t help me. Walking about doesn’t help me.”

Fegan was asked to return to court tomorrow, but told the sheriff he was not prepared to attend because he would be in England for the anniversary of a family member’s death.

He said: “I won’t be here. I go to England every year where we meet up for a fortnight.”

He must now return to court this morning, where Sheriff Gregor Murray is due to deal with the matter in light of having heard the circumstances surrounding the offence.

Fegan said he would attend.