A concerning incident unfolded at Perth Jobcentre in November 2023, where staff members faced a chilling threat of violence. A young man, Rhys Guthrie, then 19, reacted aggressively to a notification indicating potential cuts to his benefits. His outburst, fueled by alcohol, involved threats of arson and physical harm using an axe.
The threats, sent via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) online journal system, were discovered by Jobcentre staff on the morning of November 12, 2023. This system, intended for communication between the DWP and claimants, became the conduit for Guthrie’s disturbing message. He explicitly threatened to “chop up” staff with an axe and “burn [the] building down.” The timing of the potential benefit sanction, right before Christmas, further amplified the perceived threat. Swift Police Response and Arrest
Aware of the impending threat and an upcoming appointment scheduled for Guthrie later that week, Jobcentre staff promptly contacted the police. Officers advised staff to notify them immediately if Guthrie attended his appointment. Fortunately, before the appointment, Guthrie was apprehended by police on an unrelated matter. Upon arrest, Guthrie readily confessed to the threats, admitting, “I already admit to everything.” Remorse and Relocation
Guthrie’s solicitor, Alan Davie, highlighted his client’s lack of prior criminal record and described the incident as a “wild over-reaction” fueled by intoxication and the young man’s distress. Now residing in Dundee and demonstrating “reasonably positive progress,” Guthrie has expressed remorse, recognizing the gravity of his actions and the distress he caused the Jobcentre staff. A Fine and a Second Chance
Appearing before Sheriff Clair McLachlan at Perth Sheriff Court, Guthrie, now of Ward Road, Dundee, pled guilty to sending “grossly offensive” and menacing messages. Acknowledging Guthrie’s remorse and subsequent good behavior, Sheriff McLachlan imposed a £300 fine. The Sheriff noted Guthrie’s admission of guilt and his clean record since the incident. The case underscores the pressures faced by individuals reliant on benefits, especially during challenging economic times like the lead-up to Christmas. It also highlights the critical role Jobcentre staff play in supporting the community and the potential risks they encounter.
The local community in Perth and Kinross has a history of rallying together in times of need, such as the recent fundraising efforts for the restoration of St. John’s Kirk after the fire. This spirit of support extends to those struggling with financial hardship, and local charities like Perth and Kinross Foodbank offer crucial services. While incidents like this are deeply unsettling, they remind us of the importance of empathy and understanding for individuals within our community facing difficult circumstances.
The threats, sent via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) online journal system, were discovered by Jobcentre staff on the morning of November 12, 2023. This system, intended for communication between the DWP and claimants, became the conduit for Guthrie’s disturbing message. He explicitly threatened to “chop up” staff with an axe and “burn [the] building down.” The timing of the potential benefit sanction, right before Christmas, further amplified the perceived threat. Swift Police Response and Arrest
Aware of the impending threat and an upcoming appointment scheduled for Guthrie later that week, Jobcentre staff promptly contacted the police. Officers advised staff to notify them immediately if Guthrie attended his appointment. Fortunately, before the appointment, Guthrie was apprehended by police on an unrelated matter. Upon arrest, Guthrie readily confessed to the threats, admitting, “I already admit to everything.” Remorse and Relocation
Guthrie’s solicitor, Alan Davie, highlighted his client’s lack of prior criminal record and described the incident as a “wild over-reaction” fueled by intoxication and the young man’s distress. Now residing in Dundee and demonstrating “reasonably positive progress,” Guthrie has expressed remorse, recognizing the gravity of his actions and the distress he caused the Jobcentre staff. A Fine and a Second Chance
Appearing before Sheriff Clair McLachlan at Perth Sheriff Court, Guthrie, now of Ward Road, Dundee, pled guilty to sending “grossly offensive” and menacing messages. Acknowledging Guthrie’s remorse and subsequent good behavior, Sheriff McLachlan imposed a £300 fine. The Sheriff noted Guthrie’s admission of guilt and his clean record since the incident. The case underscores the pressures faced by individuals reliant on benefits, especially during challenging economic times like the lead-up to Christmas. It also highlights the critical role Jobcentre staff play in supporting the community and the potential risks they encounter.
The local community in Perth and Kinross has a history of rallying together in times of need, such as the recent fundraising efforts for the restoration of St. John’s Kirk after the fire. This spirit of support extends to those struggling with financial hardship, and local charities like Perth and Kinross Foodbank offer crucial services. While incidents like this are deeply unsettling, they remind us of the importance of empathy and understanding for individuals within our community facing difficult circumstances.