Man fined after stabbing walls and furniture

A Mull man who stabbed walls and furniture in his home after a New Year’s party has been fined £400.

Oban Sheriff Court heard how Paul Gray of Shalom, Lochdon, got home with his wife and daughter in the early hours of New Year’s Day this year when he got angry about a disagreement he had at a party.

The 61-year-old plead guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by brandishing a knife and repeatedly striking walls and furniture with it. The court on Wednesday March 23 heard how Gray left the knife embedded in one of the walls at Java Place, Craignure.

It was his 18-year-old daughter upstairs who became fearful and called the police who found him to be intoxicated. At no time did Gray direct his anger at his partner or daughter. The incident was out of character for Gray who had no previous convictions and has been engaging with a community psychiatric nurse. He has not drunk alcohol since, the court heard. Gray was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.