Recent legal proceedings across Tayside and Fife underscore a range of judicial outcomes impacting local communities, from significant drug enforcement actions to concerning incidents on our roads and contentious neighbourhood disputes. These cases, while originating in various parts of the region, offer valuable insights and reminders for residents here in Perth & Kinross regarding public safety, legal accountability, and community well-being. Major Cannabis Operation Dismantled in Dundee
A sophisticated illicit cannabis cultivation operation, with an estimated street value exceeding half a million pounds, has been successfully dismantled in Dundee. Two Vietnamese nationals, 53-year-old Ban Nguyen and 33-year-old Long Le, have each been sentenced to 40 months in prison for their involvement. The extensive setup, discovered at Dighty Gardens, showcased advanced techniques, including a complex ventilation system, air filters, specialised heating lamps, and a dedicated drying area. Law enforcement officers seized a substantial haul of 14.3 kilograms of cannabis, with a potential value of over £143,000, in addition to 510 plants estimated at £382,500. The court noted that while both men entered the United Kingdom unlawfully, there was no evidence to suggest they were victims of human trafficking or modern slavery. Following their custodial sentences, both Nguyen and Le face the strong likelihood of deportation. Defence lawyers portrayed their clients as ‘gardeners’ within the operation, indicating they were not the architects of the large-scale cultivation but rather individuals drawn into a pre-existing illicit enterprise. Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith concurred with this assessment, acknowledging their subordinate roles while emphasizing the seriousness of their illegal presence and involvement. This outcome highlights the continuous efforts by police to disrupt organised crime and protect communities, including those bordering Dundee and extending into Perth & Kinross, from the pervasive reach of illegal drug networks. Cocaine-Fuelled Crash Leaves Two Injured in Fife
In a disturbing incident that illustrates the severe dangers of impaired driving, 36-year-old Adele Smith caused a head-on collision in Fife, resulting in serious injuries to the occupants of another vehicle. Smith was found to have driven onto the wrong side of the road, leading directly to the impact. During court proceedings, a shocking claim emerged that Smith had consumed a significant amount of cocaine *immediately after* the crash. Investigations confirmed the presence of the illicit drug in her system, further revealing that she had also used cocaine the evening before the accident. This case serves as a stark warning about the devastating consequences of drug abuse, particularly when combined with operating a vehicle. The immediate and long-term impact on the victims and the broader community underscores the critical need for vigilance on our roads, a concern shared by families and authorities across Perth & Kinross. Perth Court Cannabis Dispute: Cancard and Confrontation
A recent case at Perth Sheriff Court has brought to light the complexities surrounding medical cannabis use and public interaction with law enforcement. Kimberley Hunter, a 31-year-old mother from Bridge of Earn, was fined after an agitated encounter with police outside the court building last September. Officers detected a strong scent of cannabis as they exited the main entrance and observed Hunter smoking what they suspected was a cannabis joint. When questioned, Hunter stated she possessed a ‘Cancard,’ a document intended for medical cannabis users that aims to guide police discretion. However, when asked for proof, she reportedly dropped the item and attempted to enter the building, leading to her being stopped by officers. Hunter admitted to subsequently engaging in aggressive behaviour, struggling, shouting, swearing, and making offensive remarks during the confrontation. Her solicitor, David Holmes, explained to the court that Hunter has severe ADHD, suggesting her reaction was an involuntary ‘fight or flight’ response exacerbated by the stress of the situation and a lack of awareness from the officers regarding her medical condition. Holmes described the incident as ‘a complete misunderstanding that’s spiralled out of control.’ Sheriff Neil Kinnear, while acknowledging the circumstances, stressed that the police were simply ‘asking a question,’ and imposed a total fine of £245. This local case prompts reflection within the Perth community on how individuals and authorities navigate situations involving medical conditions, public behaviour, and the law. Lochore ‘Neighbour from Hell’ Jailed
The distressing ordeal of a young woman living next to a persistently disruptive neighbour in Lochore, Fife, has concluded with a significant prison sentence for the perpetrator. Teagan Brayley vividly described her life as ‘hell’ due to the actions of Dawn Smith. Brayley recounted constant torment from Smith’s property, including incessant banging, shouting, and unruly weekend gatherings that severely impacted her and her baby. The escalating animosity tragically culminated in Smith assaulting Brayley’s mother by striking her over the head with a wooden pole. At Dunfermline Sheriff Court earlier this month, Dawn Smith was jailed for ten-and-a-half months after being found guilty of eight separate offences, which included threatening and abusive behaviour and multiple assaults on her neighbours. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of anti-social behaviour on individuals and communities, and the importance of judicial intervention to restore peace and safety in residential areas, a concern resonating with towns and villages across Perth & Kinross. Drunken Knife Threat and Vandalism in Glenrothes
A labourer from Kirkcaldy has been handed a two-year prison sentence following a drunken rampage in Glenrothes that involved property damage and a terrifying knife threat. John Arnott, 42, pleaded guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to charges of threatening behaviour and illegal possession of a knife on February 23 this year, specifically at Brodie Court and Ewart Road. Witnesses observed a heavily intoxicated Arnott shouting, singing, and repeatedly yelling obscenities, culminating in him violently smashing a window by repeatedly throwing a broken piece of wood. His destructive path continued as he damaged the wing mirror of a nearby van. When confronted by the van’s driver and another man, Arnott briefly retreated into a nearby house before re-emerging wielding what appeared to be a kitchen knife. Although he did not directly brandish the weapon at them, the men prudently withdrew and contacted the police. Arnott was subsequently apprehended within a construction site, and the knife was recovered from behind a bin. Defence counsel highlighted Arnott’s ‘very limited recollection’ of the events due to his extreme intoxication. However, Sheriff James Williamson emphasized the gravity of Arnott’s actions, noting his existing criminal record for violence and disorder, an unexpired portion of a previous sentence, and the inherently dangerous act of carrying a weapon in public while under the influence. The Sheriff concluded that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate course of action, sending a clear message about the consequences of such reckless behaviour for public safety in our region. Historical Abuse at Angus Residential School Leads to Teacher’s Conviction
Justice has been served in a deeply disturbing case of historical abuse involving Patricia Robertson, a retired teacher found guilty of tormenting 18 young girls at Fornethy House, a former residential school in Angus. The girls, originally sent to the institution for ‘short-term respite,’ endured horrific treatment under Robertson’s care. Testimonies revealed a pattern of force-feeding, physical assaults, humiliating acts, and emotional cruelty that frequently left the children in tears. The profound and lasting impact of these experiences was poignantly captured by one survivor, who stated before the High Court in Glasgow: “I just wanted to curl up like a wee baby. I still do not understand how an adult could be like that.” The guilty verdict brings a measure of closure to the victims and underscores the enduring importance of holding individuals accountable for institutional abuse, even many years after the events. This case serves as a solemn reminder of the vulnerability of children in care and the continuous need for safeguarding and justice within all communities, including those across Perthshire. Joint Fatal Accident Inquiry Ordered for Deaths in Kirkcaldy Police Custody
The justice system is set to conduct a comprehensive joint Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of two men, Marc Hamilton, 37, and Stephen Campbell, 50, who both died while in custody at Kirkcaldy police station. Marc Hamilton passed away on September 18, 2020, after being arrested and charged in connection with an alleged stabbing. Stephen Campbell suffered a ‘medical episode’ on February 20, 2022, while being questioned in relation to a robbery. Fatal Accident Inquiries are a mandatory procedure under Scottish law for all deaths occurring in custody, designed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and identify any lessons that can be learned to prevent similar tragedies. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, Scotland’s principal public prosecutor, specifically ordered that these two inquiries be held jointly due to the comparable nature of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The proceedings, which will take place at Falkirk Sheriff Court, are a crucial step in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust in the state’s care of individuals, a principle that is fundamental to all communities across Tayside and Fife, including Perth & Kinross.
These diverse cases from across Tayside and Fife serve as a testament to the ongoing work of the Scottish legal system in addressing a wide array of criminal and civil matters. From large-scale criminal enterprises to individual acts of aggression and the pursuit of historical justice, the courts continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining order and delivering accountability for all citizens, including our neighbours here in Perth & Kinross.
A sophisticated illicit cannabis cultivation operation, with an estimated street value exceeding half a million pounds, has been successfully dismantled in Dundee. Two Vietnamese nationals, 53-year-old Ban Nguyen and 33-year-old Long Le, have each been sentenced to 40 months in prison for their involvement. The extensive setup, discovered at Dighty Gardens, showcased advanced techniques, including a complex ventilation system, air filters, specialised heating lamps, and a dedicated drying area. Law enforcement officers seized a substantial haul of 14.3 kilograms of cannabis, with a potential value of over £143,000, in addition to 510 plants estimated at £382,500. The court noted that while both men entered the United Kingdom unlawfully, there was no evidence to suggest they were victims of human trafficking or modern slavery. Following their custodial sentences, both Nguyen and Le face the strong likelihood of deportation. Defence lawyers portrayed their clients as ‘gardeners’ within the operation, indicating they were not the architects of the large-scale cultivation but rather individuals drawn into a pre-existing illicit enterprise. Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith concurred with this assessment, acknowledging their subordinate roles while emphasizing the seriousness of their illegal presence and involvement. This outcome highlights the continuous efforts by police to disrupt organised crime and protect communities, including those bordering Dundee and extending into Perth & Kinross, from the pervasive reach of illegal drug networks. Cocaine-Fuelled Crash Leaves Two Injured in Fife
In a disturbing incident that illustrates the severe dangers of impaired driving, 36-year-old Adele Smith caused a head-on collision in Fife, resulting in serious injuries to the occupants of another vehicle. Smith was found to have driven onto the wrong side of the road, leading directly to the impact. During court proceedings, a shocking claim emerged that Smith had consumed a significant amount of cocaine *immediately after* the crash. Investigations confirmed the presence of the illicit drug in her system, further revealing that she had also used cocaine the evening before the accident. This case serves as a stark warning about the devastating consequences of drug abuse, particularly when combined with operating a vehicle. The immediate and long-term impact on the victims and the broader community underscores the critical need for vigilance on our roads, a concern shared by families and authorities across Perth & Kinross. Perth Court Cannabis Dispute: Cancard and Confrontation
A recent case at Perth Sheriff Court has brought to light the complexities surrounding medical cannabis use and public interaction with law enforcement. Kimberley Hunter, a 31-year-old mother from Bridge of Earn, was fined after an agitated encounter with police outside the court building last September. Officers detected a strong scent of cannabis as they exited the main entrance and observed Hunter smoking what they suspected was a cannabis joint. When questioned, Hunter stated she possessed a ‘Cancard,’ a document intended for medical cannabis users that aims to guide police discretion. However, when asked for proof, she reportedly dropped the item and attempted to enter the building, leading to her being stopped by officers. Hunter admitted to subsequently engaging in aggressive behaviour, struggling, shouting, swearing, and making offensive remarks during the confrontation. Her solicitor, David Holmes, explained to the court that Hunter has severe ADHD, suggesting her reaction was an involuntary ‘fight or flight’ response exacerbated by the stress of the situation and a lack of awareness from the officers regarding her medical condition. Holmes described the incident as ‘a complete misunderstanding that’s spiralled out of control.’ Sheriff Neil Kinnear, while acknowledging the circumstances, stressed that the police were simply ‘asking a question,’ and imposed a total fine of £245. This local case prompts reflection within the Perth community on how individuals and authorities navigate situations involving medical conditions, public behaviour, and the law. Lochore ‘Neighbour from Hell’ Jailed
The distressing ordeal of a young woman living next to a persistently disruptive neighbour in Lochore, Fife, has concluded with a significant prison sentence for the perpetrator. Teagan Brayley vividly described her life as ‘hell’ due to the actions of Dawn Smith. Brayley recounted constant torment from Smith’s property, including incessant banging, shouting, and unruly weekend gatherings that severely impacted her and her baby. The escalating animosity tragically culminated in Smith assaulting Brayley’s mother by striking her over the head with a wooden pole. At Dunfermline Sheriff Court earlier this month, Dawn Smith was jailed for ten-and-a-half months after being found guilty of eight separate offences, which included threatening and abusive behaviour and multiple assaults on her neighbours. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of anti-social behaviour on individuals and communities, and the importance of judicial intervention to restore peace and safety in residential areas, a concern resonating with towns and villages across Perth & Kinross. Drunken Knife Threat and Vandalism in Glenrothes
A labourer from Kirkcaldy has been handed a two-year prison sentence following a drunken rampage in Glenrothes that involved property damage and a terrifying knife threat. John Arnott, 42, pleaded guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to charges of threatening behaviour and illegal possession of a knife on February 23 this year, specifically at Brodie Court and Ewart Road. Witnesses observed a heavily intoxicated Arnott shouting, singing, and repeatedly yelling obscenities, culminating in him violently smashing a window by repeatedly throwing a broken piece of wood. His destructive path continued as he damaged the wing mirror of a nearby van. When confronted by the van’s driver and another man, Arnott briefly retreated into a nearby house before re-emerging wielding what appeared to be a kitchen knife. Although he did not directly brandish the weapon at them, the men prudently withdrew and contacted the police. Arnott was subsequently apprehended within a construction site, and the knife was recovered from behind a bin. Defence counsel highlighted Arnott’s ‘very limited recollection’ of the events due to his extreme intoxication. However, Sheriff James Williamson emphasized the gravity of Arnott’s actions, noting his existing criminal record for violence and disorder, an unexpired portion of a previous sentence, and the inherently dangerous act of carrying a weapon in public while under the influence. The Sheriff concluded that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate course of action, sending a clear message about the consequences of such reckless behaviour for public safety in our region. Historical Abuse at Angus Residential School Leads to Teacher’s Conviction
Justice has been served in a deeply disturbing case of historical abuse involving Patricia Robertson, a retired teacher found guilty of tormenting 18 young girls at Fornethy House, a former residential school in Angus. The girls, originally sent to the institution for ‘short-term respite,’ endured horrific treatment under Robertson’s care. Testimonies revealed a pattern of force-feeding, physical assaults, humiliating acts, and emotional cruelty that frequently left the children in tears. The profound and lasting impact of these experiences was poignantly captured by one survivor, who stated before the High Court in Glasgow: “I just wanted to curl up like a wee baby. I still do not understand how an adult could be like that.” The guilty verdict brings a measure of closure to the victims and underscores the enduring importance of holding individuals accountable for institutional abuse, even many years after the events. This case serves as a solemn reminder of the vulnerability of children in care and the continuous need for safeguarding and justice within all communities, including those across Perthshire. Joint Fatal Accident Inquiry Ordered for Deaths in Kirkcaldy Police Custody
The justice system is set to conduct a comprehensive joint Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of two men, Marc Hamilton, 37, and Stephen Campbell, 50, who both died while in custody at Kirkcaldy police station. Marc Hamilton passed away on September 18, 2020, after being arrested and charged in connection with an alleged stabbing. Stephen Campbell suffered a ‘medical episode’ on February 20, 2022, while being questioned in relation to a robbery. Fatal Accident Inquiries are a mandatory procedure under Scottish law for all deaths occurring in custody, designed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and identify any lessons that can be learned to prevent similar tragedies. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, Scotland’s principal public prosecutor, specifically ordered that these two inquiries be held jointly due to the comparable nature of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The proceedings, which will take place at Falkirk Sheriff Court, are a crucial step in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust in the state’s care of individuals, a principle that is fundamental to all communities across Tayside and Fife, including Perth & Kinross.
These diverse cases from across Tayside and Fife serve as a testament to the ongoing work of the Scottish legal system in addressing a wide array of criminal and civil matters. From large-scale criminal enterprises to individual acts of aggression and the pursuit of historical justice, the courts continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining order and delivering accountability for all citizens, including our neighbours here in Perth & Kinross.