Recent sittings at local courts have brought to light a range of significant cases affecting communities across Perth and Kinross and the wider Tayside region. From a disturbing stalking campaign with connections to Perth to a perilous road incident within the city limits and other grave matters, the legal system has been busy holding individuals accountable for their actions. This roundup provides a detailed overview of some of the notable proceedings, underscoring the ongoing efforts to ensure justice and public safety. Stalker’s Menacing Campaign Extends to Perth
A man from Fife has been subjected to court orders following a relentless and deeply troubling campaign of harassment directed at his former partner. Paul Jackson, a 58-year-old resident of Ballingry, admitted to a sustained period of abusive conduct between August 21 and September 20. The court heard that his menacing actions were not confined to his home, but also extended to a location within Perth, bringing the distressing ordeal closer to our community.
The nature of the messages sent by Jackson was particularly chilling. He explicitly communicated his desire to inflict significant suffering upon his ex-partner, stating, ‘I want to see you in a lot of pain.’ The harassment escalated to include racist remarks concerning her new partner, accompanied by explicit threats to end his life. Defence submissions indicated that Jackson had struggled immensely with the breakdown of a 21-year relationship, leading him to rely heavily on alcohol. Interestingly, he would often attempt to apologise the day after sending the abusive messages, a pattern that highlighted his turbulent state.
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, presiding over the case, expressed grave concern regarding the nature of the messages, noting their severity. However, she also acknowledged that such behaviour appeared to be an aberration from his usual character. Recognising this, Sheriff Bain decided to defer sentencing for six months to allow Jackson an opportunity to demonstrate good behaviour. Furthermore, to safeguard his former partner, a comprehensive non-harassment order was immediately put in place, strictly prohibiting Jackson from making any contact with or approaching her for a period of five years. This measure aims to provide her with much-needed protection and peace of mind. Perth Roundabout Collision Leads to Court Appearance
In a separate incident focusing on road safety within Perth, a pizza delivery driver recently faced judicial consequences after being involved in a collision with a cyclist. Zdravko Zdravkov, 21, was found to have failed to yield at the busy Glasgow Road crossing, resulting in a direct impact with a passing rider. The court learned that the cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet and had headphones on at the time, was unfortunately thrown to the ground as a result of the impact.
Crucially, the immediate aftermath saw Zdravkov demonstrate a commendable level of concern and responsibility. He promptly stopped his Citroen VT, rushed to the aid of the injured man, and personally transported him to Perth Royal Infirmary, where the cyclist received pain relief for his injuries. Zdravkov also extended an offer to cover the cost of the cyclist’s broken £160 headphones. The cyclist, after being discharged, contacted the authorities but also later messaged Zdravkov to express gratitude for his assistance.
During the subsequent police investigation, Zdravkov readily cooperated, providing officers with dashcam footage of the incident captured from his vehicle. Initially charged with causing serious injury by careless driving, Zdravkov ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser, amended charge of driving without due care or attention, with the incident occurring on January 15 of this year. The court was informed that the cyclist had to miss two night-shifts, resulting in a loss of £230. His solicitor, Lyndsey Barber, portrayed her client as an ‘extremely cautious’ driver, characterising the collision as a ‘momentary lapse’ in attention. Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, acknowledging Zdravkov’s immediate and responsible actions after the collision, imposed a fine of £540 and added six penalty points to his driving licence. Elderly Perthshire Resident Targeted in Sophisticated Scam
The vulnerability of elderly residents to sophisticated scams was highlighted in a recent court case involving Lewis Moorhead, who confessed his involvement in a malicious banking fraud. A 78-year-old woman residing in Perthshire became the victim of this cruel deception, losing a significant sum of thousands of pounds from her personal savings. Moorhead exploited her trust by creating a false narrative of suspicious activity on her bank account. He then cunningly persuaded her to transfer £5,000 of her hard-earned money directly into his own account, leaving her financially distressed and emotionally impacted. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance against financial fraud, especially when approached by unsolicited callers concerning bank account security. Violent Family Dispute in Lochgelly Pub
A dramatic family altercation in a Lochgelly pub saw a nephew inflict severe injuries upon his uncle, who was later described in court as a ‘lifelong bully.’ Douglas Stewart, a 27-year-old painter and decorator, launched an attack at the West End Bar on Main Street, resulting in his uncle suffering a broken jaw that necessitated surgical pins. Accounts presented to Dunfermline Sheriff Court detailed how other patrons intervened to pull Stewart away from the scene. When questioned by police, Stewart explained that he had endured bullying from his uncle throughout his life and finally ‘lost his temper’ when derogatory comments were made about his father.
Stewart, a first offender hailing from Cardenden, pleaded guilty to assaulting and severely injuring his uncle. His solicitor, Lucy Martin, underscored the long history of torment Stewart had suffered at the hands of his uncle. She told the court that while both individuals coincidentally found themselves in the same pub that night, Stewart had initially attempted to avoid his uncle and was cordial when they first encountered each other. However, the uncle’s persistent and offensive remarks pushed Stewart to a breaking point. Ms. Martin conveyed her client’s deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging that while his conduct did not meet the criteria for self-defence, he acted out of fear and a sense of being overwhelmed. The relationship between Stewart and his uncle has since been irrevocably severed. Sheriff Derek Reekie, noting the severity of the ‘very nasty incident’ despite the accepted background, deferred sentencing to allow for a report on Stewart’s suitability for unpaid work. He underscored that acting violently, regardless of provocation, is a grave matter. Dundee Trio Face Justice for Brutal Attack and Robbery
In a more serious regional case handled by Dundee courts, three individuals—Kenneth Fraser, 40, Leanne Gunning, 40, and John Wallace, 49—have been found guilty of a brutal attempted murder and robbery. The trio was part of a group that forcibly entered a flat at Adamson Court in Dundee, where they attacked their victim with weapons before making off with an electric scooter and £600 in cash. All three now await substantial custodial sentences, reflecting the gravity of their violent actions and the impact on their victim.
A man from Fife has been subjected to court orders following a relentless and deeply troubling campaign of harassment directed at his former partner. Paul Jackson, a 58-year-old resident of Ballingry, admitted to a sustained period of abusive conduct between August 21 and September 20. The court heard that his menacing actions were not confined to his home, but also extended to a location within Perth, bringing the distressing ordeal closer to our community.
The nature of the messages sent by Jackson was particularly chilling. He explicitly communicated his desire to inflict significant suffering upon his ex-partner, stating, ‘I want to see you in a lot of pain.’ The harassment escalated to include racist remarks concerning her new partner, accompanied by explicit threats to end his life. Defence submissions indicated that Jackson had struggled immensely with the breakdown of a 21-year relationship, leading him to rely heavily on alcohol. Interestingly, he would often attempt to apologise the day after sending the abusive messages, a pattern that highlighted his turbulent state.
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, presiding over the case, expressed grave concern regarding the nature of the messages, noting their severity. However, she also acknowledged that such behaviour appeared to be an aberration from his usual character. Recognising this, Sheriff Bain decided to defer sentencing for six months to allow Jackson an opportunity to demonstrate good behaviour. Furthermore, to safeguard his former partner, a comprehensive non-harassment order was immediately put in place, strictly prohibiting Jackson from making any contact with or approaching her for a period of five years. This measure aims to provide her with much-needed protection and peace of mind. Perth Roundabout Collision Leads to Court Appearance
In a separate incident focusing on road safety within Perth, a pizza delivery driver recently faced judicial consequences after being involved in a collision with a cyclist. Zdravko Zdravkov, 21, was found to have failed to yield at the busy Glasgow Road crossing, resulting in a direct impact with a passing rider. The court learned that the cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet and had headphones on at the time, was unfortunately thrown to the ground as a result of the impact.
Crucially, the immediate aftermath saw Zdravkov demonstrate a commendable level of concern and responsibility. He promptly stopped his Citroen VT, rushed to the aid of the injured man, and personally transported him to Perth Royal Infirmary, where the cyclist received pain relief for his injuries. Zdravkov also extended an offer to cover the cost of the cyclist’s broken £160 headphones. The cyclist, after being discharged, contacted the authorities but also later messaged Zdravkov to express gratitude for his assistance.
During the subsequent police investigation, Zdravkov readily cooperated, providing officers with dashcam footage of the incident captured from his vehicle. Initially charged with causing serious injury by careless driving, Zdravkov ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser, amended charge of driving without due care or attention, with the incident occurring on January 15 of this year. The court was informed that the cyclist had to miss two night-shifts, resulting in a loss of £230. His solicitor, Lyndsey Barber, portrayed her client as an ‘extremely cautious’ driver, characterising the collision as a ‘momentary lapse’ in attention. Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, acknowledging Zdravkov’s immediate and responsible actions after the collision, imposed a fine of £540 and added six penalty points to his driving licence. Elderly Perthshire Resident Targeted in Sophisticated Scam
The vulnerability of elderly residents to sophisticated scams was highlighted in a recent court case involving Lewis Moorhead, who confessed his involvement in a malicious banking fraud. A 78-year-old woman residing in Perthshire became the victim of this cruel deception, losing a significant sum of thousands of pounds from her personal savings. Moorhead exploited her trust by creating a false narrative of suspicious activity on her bank account. He then cunningly persuaded her to transfer £5,000 of her hard-earned money directly into his own account, leaving her financially distressed and emotionally impacted. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance against financial fraud, especially when approached by unsolicited callers concerning bank account security. Violent Family Dispute in Lochgelly Pub
A dramatic family altercation in a Lochgelly pub saw a nephew inflict severe injuries upon his uncle, who was later described in court as a ‘lifelong bully.’ Douglas Stewart, a 27-year-old painter and decorator, launched an attack at the West End Bar on Main Street, resulting in his uncle suffering a broken jaw that necessitated surgical pins. Accounts presented to Dunfermline Sheriff Court detailed how other patrons intervened to pull Stewart away from the scene. When questioned by police, Stewart explained that he had endured bullying from his uncle throughout his life and finally ‘lost his temper’ when derogatory comments were made about his father.
Stewart, a first offender hailing from Cardenden, pleaded guilty to assaulting and severely injuring his uncle. His solicitor, Lucy Martin, underscored the long history of torment Stewart had suffered at the hands of his uncle. She told the court that while both individuals coincidentally found themselves in the same pub that night, Stewart had initially attempted to avoid his uncle and was cordial when they first encountered each other. However, the uncle’s persistent and offensive remarks pushed Stewart to a breaking point. Ms. Martin conveyed her client’s deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging that while his conduct did not meet the criteria for self-defence, he acted out of fear and a sense of being overwhelmed. The relationship between Stewart and his uncle has since been irrevocably severed. Sheriff Derek Reekie, noting the severity of the ‘very nasty incident’ despite the accepted background, deferred sentencing to allow for a report on Stewart’s suitability for unpaid work. He underscored that acting violently, regardless of provocation, is a grave matter. Dundee Trio Face Justice for Brutal Attack and Robbery
In a more serious regional case handled by Dundee courts, three individuals—Kenneth Fraser, 40, Leanne Gunning, 40, and John Wallace, 49—have been found guilty of a brutal attempted murder and robbery. The trio was part of a group that forcibly entered a flat at Adamson Court in Dundee, where they attacked their victim with weapons before making off with an electric scooter and £600 in cash. All three now await substantial custodial sentences, reflecting the gravity of their violent actions and the impact on their victim.