A Perth resident, Darren McMillan, has been given a community-based sentence, avoiding immediate incarceration, following his conviction for a racially aggravated assault and his admission to involvement in drug supply. The 23-year-old was implicated in a brutal incident last April where Kru Banton, a 25-year-old asylum seeker, sustained a head injury in a city centre alleyway. The verdict came after a jury found McMillan acted in concert with a now-deceased friend during the attack.
The distressing details of the assault unfolded in a secluded vennel situated just off South Methven Street, a bustling thoroughfare in Perth. Mr. Banton was discovered with a significant laceration to the back of his head, visibly soaked in blood. Evidence presented during the trial at Perth Sheriff Court painted a clear picture: McMillan’s associate, who tragically passed away before the proceedings could conclude, was identified as the primary aggressor, reportedly using a knuckleduster to inflict the injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of the violence, McMillan attempted a quick escape, hailing a taxi in a bid to flee the scene. However, law enforcement officers were swift to act, intercepting the vehicle. Their subsequent search of McMillan yielded disturbing discoveries: a black box in the taxi contained 14 individual bags of crack cocaine, estimated to have a street value of approximately £700. Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional 23 wraps of crack cocaine secreted within McMillan’s underwear. These findings led to McMillan pleading guilty to charges related to the supply of cocaine even before the full trial commenced. While initial accusations included McMillan possessing a large kitchen knife during the incident, this particular allegation could not be substantiated to the court’s satisfaction.
During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff William Wood delivered a stern message to McMillan, underscoring the gravity of his actions. Addressing the broader context of the case, Sheriff Wood remarked, “I hope you don’t find what I say about the passing of your friend offensive, but the fact is the two of you were running around selling drugs. Perhaps this matter will be a wake-up call for you.” The Sheriff acknowledged McMillan’s relatively “limited” criminal record up to that point but firmly stated that the combined nature of the assault and drug charges crossed the threshold for a custodial sentence. Nevertheless, he ultimately determined that imposing a prison term was not the sole viable resolution. Instead, McMillan was mandated to complete the maximum permissible 300 hours of unpaid work within the community.
The racially charged nature of the assault was a central point of the trial. Mr. Banton, a resident of the Queens Hotel on Leonard Street – an establishment known for accommodating asylum seekers and recently the focal point of local anti-immigration demonstrations – encountered McMillan and his accomplice. When Mr. Banton made a simple request for a cigarette, he was met with a hateful, racist outburst from McMillan’s associate, who explicitly told him he was not wanted in the area due to his ethnicity.
Habib Drammen, 25, who migrated from Ghana two years prior and also resided at the Queens Hotel, provided crucial eyewitness testimony. He vividly recalled hearing shouting in the city centre and instantly recognizing his friend Mr. Banton’s voice amidst the commotion. Drammen detailed seeing “Kru grabbed by two men,” struggling to defend himself. He specifically highlighted that the “short male” (McMillan’s now-deceased friend) was delivering punches to Mr. Banton’s head, both front and back, with a knuckleduster, causing significant bleeding. Drammen admitted that the sight of McMillan with what he believed to be a knife deterred him from intervening physically. His only recourse was to shout, “leave him alone,” appealing on the grounds of friendship.
The intervention of a retired police officer proved pivotal in halting the attack. The officer promptly contacted emergency services and instructed Mr. Banton and Mr. Drammen to remain at the scene, while the assailants, including McMillan, fled.
The discovery of the drugs presented an additional layer of criminal activity. The black box found in the taxi contained quantities of cocaine, indicating an organised supply operation. The subsequent finding of more crack cocaine on McMillan’s person solidified his direct involvement. Defence solicitor Lyndsey Barber, during her mitigation, conveyed McMillan’s assertion that the drugs in the taxi had been placed there by his co-accused. While accepting his culpability for possession with intent to supply, McMillan’s defence underscored his remorse. Ms. Barber further informed the court of her client’s plans to resume his college studies in the coming year and highlighted his proactive efforts to disengage from negative influences, noting he has “almost isolated himself now” from his former peer group.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of crime within our local communities, particularly in Perth and Kinross. It brings to light not only the issue of racially motivated incidents, which can deeply fracture community cohesion, but also the pervasive challenge of illegal drug distribution. The decision to impose a significant period of unpaid community work reflects a judicial balance, aiming for rehabilitation while acknowledging the severity of the offences committed. It provides McMillan an opportunity to meaningfully atone for his actions and potentially redirect his life towards positive contributions within the very community he has harmed. This outcome, while debated by some, underscores the justice system’s capacity to seek both punitive measures and pathways for reform, fostering a safer and more inclusive Perth for all its residents.
The distressing details of the assault unfolded in a secluded vennel situated just off South Methven Street, a bustling thoroughfare in Perth. Mr. Banton was discovered with a significant laceration to the back of his head, visibly soaked in blood. Evidence presented during the trial at Perth Sheriff Court painted a clear picture: McMillan’s associate, who tragically passed away before the proceedings could conclude, was identified as the primary aggressor, reportedly using a knuckleduster to inflict the injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of the violence, McMillan attempted a quick escape, hailing a taxi in a bid to flee the scene. However, law enforcement officers were swift to act, intercepting the vehicle. Their subsequent search of McMillan yielded disturbing discoveries: a black box in the taxi contained 14 individual bags of crack cocaine, estimated to have a street value of approximately £700. Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional 23 wraps of crack cocaine secreted within McMillan’s underwear. These findings led to McMillan pleading guilty to charges related to the supply of cocaine even before the full trial commenced. While initial accusations included McMillan possessing a large kitchen knife during the incident, this particular allegation could not be substantiated to the court’s satisfaction.
During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff William Wood delivered a stern message to McMillan, underscoring the gravity of his actions. Addressing the broader context of the case, Sheriff Wood remarked, “I hope you don’t find what I say about the passing of your friend offensive, but the fact is the two of you were running around selling drugs. Perhaps this matter will be a wake-up call for you.” The Sheriff acknowledged McMillan’s relatively “limited” criminal record up to that point but firmly stated that the combined nature of the assault and drug charges crossed the threshold for a custodial sentence. Nevertheless, he ultimately determined that imposing a prison term was not the sole viable resolution. Instead, McMillan was mandated to complete the maximum permissible 300 hours of unpaid work within the community.
The racially charged nature of the assault was a central point of the trial. Mr. Banton, a resident of the Queens Hotel on Leonard Street – an establishment known for accommodating asylum seekers and recently the focal point of local anti-immigration demonstrations – encountered McMillan and his accomplice. When Mr. Banton made a simple request for a cigarette, he was met with a hateful, racist outburst from McMillan’s associate, who explicitly told him he was not wanted in the area due to his ethnicity.
Habib Drammen, 25, who migrated from Ghana two years prior and also resided at the Queens Hotel, provided crucial eyewitness testimony. He vividly recalled hearing shouting in the city centre and instantly recognizing his friend Mr. Banton’s voice amidst the commotion. Drammen detailed seeing “Kru grabbed by two men,” struggling to defend himself. He specifically highlighted that the “short male” (McMillan’s now-deceased friend) was delivering punches to Mr. Banton’s head, both front and back, with a knuckleduster, causing significant bleeding. Drammen admitted that the sight of McMillan with what he believed to be a knife deterred him from intervening physically. His only recourse was to shout, “leave him alone,” appealing on the grounds of friendship.
The intervention of a retired police officer proved pivotal in halting the attack. The officer promptly contacted emergency services and instructed Mr. Banton and Mr. Drammen to remain at the scene, while the assailants, including McMillan, fled.
The discovery of the drugs presented an additional layer of criminal activity. The black box found in the taxi contained quantities of cocaine, indicating an organised supply operation. The subsequent finding of more crack cocaine on McMillan’s person solidified his direct involvement. Defence solicitor Lyndsey Barber, during her mitigation, conveyed McMillan’s assertion that the drugs in the taxi had been placed there by his co-accused. While accepting his culpability for possession with intent to supply, McMillan’s defence underscored his remorse. Ms. Barber further informed the court of her client’s plans to resume his college studies in the coming year and highlighted his proactive efforts to disengage from negative influences, noting he has “almost isolated himself now” from his former peer group.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of crime within our local communities, particularly in Perth and Kinross. It brings to light not only the issue of racially motivated incidents, which can deeply fracture community cohesion, but also the pervasive challenge of illegal drug distribution. The decision to impose a significant period of unpaid community work reflects a judicial balance, aiming for rehabilitation while acknowledging the severity of the offences committed. It provides McMillan an opportunity to meaningfully atone for his actions and potentially redirect his life towards positive contributions within the very community he has harmed. This outcome, while debated by some, underscores the justice system’s capacity to seek both punitive measures and pathways for reform, fostering a safer and more inclusive Perth for all its residents.