A Perth man’s intoxicated outburst transformed parts of the city centre into a scene of disorder earlier this year, culminating in a series of disturbing incidents that led to his appearance before the local sheriff court. David MacDonald, 31, unleashed a torrent of abuse, caused significant property damage, and instilled fear among local businesses and residents during his spree.
The chaotic events began in the early afternoon on February 18 at a newly opened chicken takeaway on County Place, a popular thoroughfare in Perth. An employee, working alone, encountered MacDonald as he passed by. The court heard how MacDonald began shouting derogatory remarks, specifically targeting the staff member with accusations of being a “paedophile,” before aggressively forcing his way into the establishment. Despite the employee’s attempts to understand the situation, MacDonald remained in an intoxicated and hostile state, persisting with his baseless accusations.
Later that evening, around 10pm, MacDonald revisited the takeaway, where two employees were now present. His return was marked by renewed aggression; he slammed the door against the wall upon entry and continued his verbal assault, repeatedly directing the same offensive slur at one of the workers. The situation escalated when he threw a glass bottle, which shattered perilously close to the employee’s feet. In a further act of destruction, MacDonald then seized a road sign he had acquired and hurled it with force towards the takeaway counter, causing a noticeable chunk to break off. He proceeded to grab a display stand, tossing it at the till area and scattering items across the floor before finally leaving the premises. Police were promptly alerted to the unfolding situation and initiated a search for the individual responsible.
MacDonald’s destructive behaviour extended beyond the eatery. Moments later, on Old High Street, a taxi driver witnessed MacDonald violently kicking his vehicle. The enraged offender shouted threats, proclaiming, “I’m coming back to kill you and I’m coming back to kill all of you,” while also claiming to possess a knife. Indeed, a witness later corroborated this, observing MacDonald brandishing a blade of approximately 1.5 inches in length. During this terrifying episode, he also used a racist slur and directed death threats towards the witness, further escalating the alarm.
The series of incidents continued to impact other members of the public. Another motorist, whose vehicle was parked nearby, attempted to warn MacDonald by flashing their headlights as he stood in the middle of the road. In response, MacDonald aggressively approached the car, striking it with such force that it damaged the bumper and cracked a roof panel. When police eventually apprehended him, MacDonald claimed complete ignorance of his actions, stating, “I’ve no’ done f**k all.”
During his appearance at Perth Sheriff Court, MacDonald admitted to multiple charges including threatening and abusive behaviour, assault, and causing damage to two vehicles and the shop counter. His defence agent, Billy Somerville, conveyed to the court that his client had no recollection of the events due to severe intoxication. Mr. Somerville highlighted that alcohol was a significant factor in MacDonald’s behaviour and emphasized his client’s potential for rehabilitation, mentioning the prospect of future employment with a roofing firm.
Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon considered the gravity of the offences but ultimately decided against a custodial sentence, stating, “I am satisfied I can deal with this other than custody.” MacDonald, who resides in Perth, was subsequently handed a nine-month restriction of liberty order, requiring him to remain at his home address between 7pm and 7am daily. This sentence underscores the court’s commitment to addressing public safety concerns while also considering opportunities for offender rehabilitation within the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence on local businesses and the general public’s sense of security in Perth’s vibrant city centre.
The chaotic events began in the early afternoon on February 18 at a newly opened chicken takeaway on County Place, a popular thoroughfare in Perth. An employee, working alone, encountered MacDonald as he passed by. The court heard how MacDonald began shouting derogatory remarks, specifically targeting the staff member with accusations of being a “paedophile,” before aggressively forcing his way into the establishment. Despite the employee’s attempts to understand the situation, MacDonald remained in an intoxicated and hostile state, persisting with his baseless accusations.
Later that evening, around 10pm, MacDonald revisited the takeaway, where two employees were now present. His return was marked by renewed aggression; he slammed the door against the wall upon entry and continued his verbal assault, repeatedly directing the same offensive slur at one of the workers. The situation escalated when he threw a glass bottle, which shattered perilously close to the employee’s feet. In a further act of destruction, MacDonald then seized a road sign he had acquired and hurled it with force towards the takeaway counter, causing a noticeable chunk to break off. He proceeded to grab a display stand, tossing it at the till area and scattering items across the floor before finally leaving the premises. Police were promptly alerted to the unfolding situation and initiated a search for the individual responsible.
MacDonald’s destructive behaviour extended beyond the eatery. Moments later, on Old High Street, a taxi driver witnessed MacDonald violently kicking his vehicle. The enraged offender shouted threats, proclaiming, “I’m coming back to kill you and I’m coming back to kill all of you,” while also claiming to possess a knife. Indeed, a witness later corroborated this, observing MacDonald brandishing a blade of approximately 1.5 inches in length. During this terrifying episode, he also used a racist slur and directed death threats towards the witness, further escalating the alarm.
The series of incidents continued to impact other members of the public. Another motorist, whose vehicle was parked nearby, attempted to warn MacDonald by flashing their headlights as he stood in the middle of the road. In response, MacDonald aggressively approached the car, striking it with such force that it damaged the bumper and cracked a roof panel. When police eventually apprehended him, MacDonald claimed complete ignorance of his actions, stating, “I’ve no’ done f**k all.”
During his appearance at Perth Sheriff Court, MacDonald admitted to multiple charges including threatening and abusive behaviour, assault, and causing damage to two vehicles and the shop counter. His defence agent, Billy Somerville, conveyed to the court that his client had no recollection of the events due to severe intoxication. Mr. Somerville highlighted that alcohol was a significant factor in MacDonald’s behaviour and emphasized his client’s potential for rehabilitation, mentioning the prospect of future employment with a roofing firm.
Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon considered the gravity of the offences but ultimately decided against a custodial sentence, stating, “I am satisfied I can deal with this other than custody.” MacDonald, who resides in Perth, was subsequently handed a nine-month restriction of liberty order, requiring him to remain at his home address between 7pm and 7am daily. This sentence underscores the court’s commitment to addressing public safety concerns while also considering opportunities for offender rehabilitation within the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence on local businesses and the general public’s sense of security in Perth’s vibrant city centre.