Recent court proceedings across Tayside and Fife, including cases directly impacting the Perth and Kinross area, underscore the ongoing efforts of the justice system to maintain public safety and uphold community standards. From serious criminal activity like a Perth garage robbery to an illicit cannabis farm and disturbing public order offences, these cases reflect the diverse challenges faced by our local communities. Jail for Kirkcaldy Cannabis Farmer After Attic Fire
A significant cannabis cultivation operation in Kirkcaldy, part of the wider Fife region, came to light following an attic fire, leading to a 16-month jail sentence for *Patryk Bartkowiak*. The incident, which occurred on December 11, 2020, saw a male witness alert emergency services after observing flames emanating from the roof of 160 High Street. Upon being confronted, Bartkowiak, the tenant since 2017, reportedly exclaimed, “I’m f**ked, I’m f**ked, my crop,” acknowledging the illegal enterprise.
Firefighters had to force entry due to the locked door, subsequently discovering 42 cannabis plants alongside cultivation equipment like fans, lights, and fertiliser. Authorities estimated the street value of the illicit yield to be between £16,800 and £23,520, depending on the distribution method. Bartkowiak, 42, ultimately admitted to producing cannabis for onward supply. The court heard he had previously failed to appear at hearings in early 2022 due to contracting Covid in Poland while caring for a sick relative. This case highlights the inherent dangers of illegal drug operations, particularly the fire risk they pose to residential buildings and neighbouring properties, a concern for any high street community across Tayside and Fife. Prison Assault: Killer Rapist Attacked at HMP Polmont
In a disturbing incident within HMP Polmont, convicted sex offender from Fife, *Levi Taylor*, assaulted killer rapist Cameron Allan using a pool cue, causing him to suffer a seizure. This case brings to light the volatile environment that can exist within correctional facilities, where the safety of inmates remains a constant concern for authorities. Such acts of violence underscore the complexities of managing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds within the prison system. Dundee Man’s Homophobic Abuse and Police Assault
Dundee resident *Jamie Jamieson*, already with a recent conviction for spitting on a child, faced further legal repercussions after a morning rampage on Court Street. Early on a Tuesday, at approximately 6:40 AM, Jamieson disturbed residents by striking vehicles with a crowbar. When police arrived, he was apprehended but reacted by spitting on PC (Blain) Stirling’s chest and unleashing a barrage of homophobic insults, leading to him being fitted with a spit hood. Appearing from custody at Dundee Sheriff Court, Jamieson admitted to assaulting the officer, damaging vehicles with a crowbar, and abusive behaviour towards law enforcement. Defence solicitor Lauren Gunn stated that Jamieson received no support upon his early release, an argument the client chose not to pursue by declining a social work report. Sheriff Derek Reekie imposed a five-month unexpired prison sentence followed by an additional eight months in custody, stating there was no alternative given Jamieson’s conduct and his refusal to explore community options. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by emergency services and the importance of respecting public order in our towns and cities, including Perth. Topless Rampage and Murder Threat at Perthshire Supermarket
In Rattray, Perthshire, local supermarket staff endured a terrifying ordeal when *Jonathan Kermath*, in a drunken state, embarked on a topless rampage and issued threats to murder employees after his card was declined. The alarming incident at the Scotmid store caused such fear that one employee fled the premises and sought refuge in a customer’s car. Such behaviour not only disrupts local commerce but also deeply impacts the sense of security among frontline workers and the wider community in a place like Rattray, a close-knit Perthshire town. The severity of Kermath’s actions reflects a concerning lapse in public conduct, necessitating a firm response from the justice system to protect those serving our local areas. Opportunist Car Thief Preys on Perthshire and Fife Residents
A series of vehicle thefts spanning Fife and Perthshire culminated in a supervision order for *Cameron Wells*, an Edinburgh man with a history of housebreaking. Wells admitted to stealing a Vauxhall from a rural Kelty cottage on June 23, 2022, after its owner briefly left it running outside. Months later, his DNA was found on the abandoned vehicle. The 22-year-old was also implicated in the theft of an Audi Q5 from outside a Crieff home on October 8 of the same year, and a Land Rover Discovery from Glenfarg on the same morning. Both Perthshire vehicles were later recovered at different locations.
Appearing at Perth Sheriff Court, Wells was told by Sheriff Peter Anderson that he was “fortunate” for a favourable pre-sentencing report, leading to an 18-month supervision order. This case highlights the vulnerability of vehicles, even in seemingly safe rural settings across Perthshire, and the impact of such opportunist crimes on residents’ peace of mind. The court’s decision, while lenient due to specific circumstances, reinforces the need for accountability in property crime. Gardener Jailed for Biting Killer’s Eyebrow in Fife Street Assault
In Kennoway, Fife, landscape gardener *Bobbi Laurence* was sentenced to 20 months in jail following a street assault where he bit the eyebrow of Barry Kidd, a convicted killer. The altercation, which saw Laurence knock Kidd to the ground before the biting incident, resulted in a significant custodial sentence. This case underscores the judiciary’s stance on violent behaviour in public spaces, regardless of the individuals involved, and the severe consequences for those who resort to physical aggression. Perth Garage Robbery Leads to Supervision and Exclusion Order
A terrifying robbery at a 24-hour BP Connect filling station in Perth saw *Martin McGinley*, 45, threaten to kill an employee in the early hours of February 26 this year. The incident, at the city’s Triangle area, involved McGinley gesturing to a worker to return to the till before demanding all the cash, stating, “I’m not playing, I’m going to kill you.” After grabbing the cash tray and spilling coins, he fled the scene but was quickly apprehended on Bute Drive with £15 in his pocket. A subsequent strip search at Dundee HQ revealed a further £190 concealed in his sock, with the discarded till tray found in the forecourt.
Defence solicitor David Holmes highlighted McGinley’s history of mental health issues and described the act as a “spur of the moment thing,” not premeditated. Considering the 10 months McGinley had already spent on remand, Sheriff Peter Anderson chose not to impose a further jail term. Instead, he issued a 20-month supervision order and a five-year exclusion order, banning McGinley from the BP garage. The Sheriff sternly warned McGinley about his drinking habits and choice of company, emphasising the frightening impact his abusive and aggressive conduct had on the victim. This outcome highlights the court’s balance between punishment, rehabilitation, and the protection of vulnerable frontline staff in local Perth businesses.
A significant cannabis cultivation operation in Kirkcaldy, part of the wider Fife region, came to light following an attic fire, leading to a 16-month jail sentence for *Patryk Bartkowiak*. The incident, which occurred on December 11, 2020, saw a male witness alert emergency services after observing flames emanating from the roof of 160 High Street. Upon being confronted, Bartkowiak, the tenant since 2017, reportedly exclaimed, “I’m f**ked, I’m f**ked, my crop,” acknowledging the illegal enterprise.
Firefighters had to force entry due to the locked door, subsequently discovering 42 cannabis plants alongside cultivation equipment like fans, lights, and fertiliser. Authorities estimated the street value of the illicit yield to be between £16,800 and £23,520, depending on the distribution method. Bartkowiak, 42, ultimately admitted to producing cannabis for onward supply. The court heard he had previously failed to appear at hearings in early 2022 due to contracting Covid in Poland while caring for a sick relative. This case highlights the inherent dangers of illegal drug operations, particularly the fire risk they pose to residential buildings and neighbouring properties, a concern for any high street community across Tayside and Fife. Prison Assault: Killer Rapist Attacked at HMP Polmont
In a disturbing incident within HMP Polmont, convicted sex offender from Fife, *Levi Taylor*, assaulted killer rapist Cameron Allan using a pool cue, causing him to suffer a seizure. This case brings to light the volatile environment that can exist within correctional facilities, where the safety of inmates remains a constant concern for authorities. Such acts of violence underscore the complexities of managing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds within the prison system. Dundee Man’s Homophobic Abuse and Police Assault
Dundee resident *Jamie Jamieson*, already with a recent conviction for spitting on a child, faced further legal repercussions after a morning rampage on Court Street. Early on a Tuesday, at approximately 6:40 AM, Jamieson disturbed residents by striking vehicles with a crowbar. When police arrived, he was apprehended but reacted by spitting on PC (Blain) Stirling’s chest and unleashing a barrage of homophobic insults, leading to him being fitted with a spit hood. Appearing from custody at Dundee Sheriff Court, Jamieson admitted to assaulting the officer, damaging vehicles with a crowbar, and abusive behaviour towards law enforcement. Defence solicitor Lauren Gunn stated that Jamieson received no support upon his early release, an argument the client chose not to pursue by declining a social work report. Sheriff Derek Reekie imposed a five-month unexpired prison sentence followed by an additional eight months in custody, stating there was no alternative given Jamieson’s conduct and his refusal to explore community options. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by emergency services and the importance of respecting public order in our towns and cities, including Perth. Topless Rampage and Murder Threat at Perthshire Supermarket
In Rattray, Perthshire, local supermarket staff endured a terrifying ordeal when *Jonathan Kermath*, in a drunken state, embarked on a topless rampage and issued threats to murder employees after his card was declined. The alarming incident at the Scotmid store caused such fear that one employee fled the premises and sought refuge in a customer’s car. Such behaviour not only disrupts local commerce but also deeply impacts the sense of security among frontline workers and the wider community in a place like Rattray, a close-knit Perthshire town. The severity of Kermath’s actions reflects a concerning lapse in public conduct, necessitating a firm response from the justice system to protect those serving our local areas. Opportunist Car Thief Preys on Perthshire and Fife Residents
A series of vehicle thefts spanning Fife and Perthshire culminated in a supervision order for *Cameron Wells*, an Edinburgh man with a history of housebreaking. Wells admitted to stealing a Vauxhall from a rural Kelty cottage on June 23, 2022, after its owner briefly left it running outside. Months later, his DNA was found on the abandoned vehicle. The 22-year-old was also implicated in the theft of an Audi Q5 from outside a Crieff home on October 8 of the same year, and a Land Rover Discovery from Glenfarg on the same morning. Both Perthshire vehicles were later recovered at different locations.
Appearing at Perth Sheriff Court, Wells was told by Sheriff Peter Anderson that he was “fortunate” for a favourable pre-sentencing report, leading to an 18-month supervision order. This case highlights the vulnerability of vehicles, even in seemingly safe rural settings across Perthshire, and the impact of such opportunist crimes on residents’ peace of mind. The court’s decision, while lenient due to specific circumstances, reinforces the need for accountability in property crime. Gardener Jailed for Biting Killer’s Eyebrow in Fife Street Assault
In Kennoway, Fife, landscape gardener *Bobbi Laurence* was sentenced to 20 months in jail following a street assault where he bit the eyebrow of Barry Kidd, a convicted killer. The altercation, which saw Laurence knock Kidd to the ground before the biting incident, resulted in a significant custodial sentence. This case underscores the judiciary’s stance on violent behaviour in public spaces, regardless of the individuals involved, and the severe consequences for those who resort to physical aggression. Perth Garage Robbery Leads to Supervision and Exclusion Order
A terrifying robbery at a 24-hour BP Connect filling station in Perth saw *Martin McGinley*, 45, threaten to kill an employee in the early hours of February 26 this year. The incident, at the city’s Triangle area, involved McGinley gesturing to a worker to return to the till before demanding all the cash, stating, “I’m not playing, I’m going to kill you.” After grabbing the cash tray and spilling coins, he fled the scene but was quickly apprehended on Bute Drive with £15 in his pocket. A subsequent strip search at Dundee HQ revealed a further £190 concealed in his sock, with the discarded till tray found in the forecourt.
Defence solicitor David Holmes highlighted McGinley’s history of mental health issues and described the act as a “spur of the moment thing,” not premeditated. Considering the 10 months McGinley had already spent on remand, Sheriff Peter Anderson chose not to impose a further jail term. Instead, he issued a 20-month supervision order and a five-year exclusion order, banning McGinley from the BP garage. The Sheriff sternly warned McGinley about his drinking habits and choice of company, emphasising the frightening impact his abusive and aggressive conduct had on the victim. This outcome highlights the court’s balance between punishment, rehabilitation, and the protection of vulnerable frontline staff in local Perth businesses.