Several cases from across Tayside and Fife concluded this week, offering a glimpse into the diverse legal proceedings impacting local communities. From violent altercations to tragic accidents and breaches of digital restrictions, these stories highlight a range of issues affecting residents of Perth and Kinross and beyond. Kirkcaldy Assault and Robbery
In Kirkcaldy, Neil Proctor, 46, pled guilty to assault and robbery following an incident on March 31st of last year. The attack, which took place in a green space near East March Street and Cairns Street East, left the victim with severe injuries, including a missing tooth and loosened teeth. Proctor, acting alongside an unidentified accomplice, repeatedly punched the victim in the head before stealing £70 from his pockets. The court heard Proctor had a history of violent offenses, including a prior conviction for assault resulting in severe injury and permanent disfigurement. His defense lawyer, Callum Harris, attributed Proctor’s actions to drug use but highlighted that his client was now sober and working towards rehabilitation. Sheriff Robert More deferred sentencing until May 20th pending background reports. Kinloch Rannoch Accident
Further north, in Kinloch Rannoch, Andrew Dewar-McCabe received a community sentence after pleading guilty to causing the death of his aunt, 69-year-old Jacqueline Gadd. The tragic incident occurred in June 2022 when Dewar-McCabe reversed over Ms. Gadd with a pick-up truck loaded with tools and hay bale wraps. The court heard how the weight of the load contributed to the severity of Ms. Gadd’s injuries, which sadly proved fatal. Described as “consumed by remorse”, Dewar-McCabe was given an unpaid work order and a driving ban. Brechin Sex Offender Breaches SHPO
In Brechin, a registered sex offender, Aaron Ryan, 26, found himself facing new charges after police were called to a Montrose Tesco due to his disruptive behaviour. While Ryan was not committing any criminal acts at the time, police, aware of his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), requested access to his phone. They discovered pornographic material accessible through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which violated the terms of Ryan’s seven-year SHPO imposed in 2021, which restricted his internet usage. Ryan claimed ignorance of the specifics of his bail conditions. Sheriff George Way sentenced Ryan to 18 months of supervision, 100 hours of unpaid work, and added him to the sex offenders’ register for 18 months. Kennoway Theft
Meanwhile, in Kennoway, 20-year-old Daniel McNeil pled guilty to theft after stealing from a sex worker he had hired. After consuming alcohol at a friend’s house in Methil, McNeil ordered an Uber to transport the woman to the property. Following a sexual encounter, McNeil, apparently dissatisfied, took money from the woman’s handbag before she left in distress. The incident highlights the vulnerability of those involved in sex work and the potential dangers they may encounter. Dundee Assault on Police
Finally, in Dundee, a court appearance marked by heightened security saw Carrie Ann Brown, 42, plead guilty to several charges relating to assaults on police officers. During the virtual hearing, six officers in riot gear were present as Brown, who is Hepatitis C positive, admitted to threatening violence and spitting at officers at the Carseview Centre and during transport to Dundee’s police headquarters on March 25th. She also pled guilty to headbutting and attempting to kick an officer while claiming to be infected with the virus. Brown’s solicitor, Ross Bennet, described how Brown was now under protection in prison due to the disclosure of her health status. Sheriff Derek Reekie deferred sentencing until next month and remanded Brown in custody.
In Kirkcaldy, Neil Proctor, 46, pled guilty to assault and robbery following an incident on March 31st of last year. The attack, which took place in a green space near East March Street and Cairns Street East, left the victim with severe injuries, including a missing tooth and loosened teeth. Proctor, acting alongside an unidentified accomplice, repeatedly punched the victim in the head before stealing £70 from his pockets. The court heard Proctor had a history of violent offenses, including a prior conviction for assault resulting in severe injury and permanent disfigurement. His defense lawyer, Callum Harris, attributed Proctor’s actions to drug use but highlighted that his client was now sober and working towards rehabilitation. Sheriff Robert More deferred sentencing until May 20th pending background reports. Kinloch Rannoch Accident
Further north, in Kinloch Rannoch, Andrew Dewar-McCabe received a community sentence after pleading guilty to causing the death of his aunt, 69-year-old Jacqueline Gadd. The tragic incident occurred in June 2022 when Dewar-McCabe reversed over Ms. Gadd with a pick-up truck loaded with tools and hay bale wraps. The court heard how the weight of the load contributed to the severity of Ms. Gadd’s injuries, which sadly proved fatal. Described as “consumed by remorse”, Dewar-McCabe was given an unpaid work order and a driving ban. Brechin Sex Offender Breaches SHPO
In Brechin, a registered sex offender, Aaron Ryan, 26, found himself facing new charges after police were called to a Montrose Tesco due to his disruptive behaviour. While Ryan was not committing any criminal acts at the time, police, aware of his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), requested access to his phone. They discovered pornographic material accessible through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which violated the terms of Ryan’s seven-year SHPO imposed in 2021, which restricted his internet usage. Ryan claimed ignorance of the specifics of his bail conditions. Sheriff George Way sentenced Ryan to 18 months of supervision, 100 hours of unpaid work, and added him to the sex offenders’ register for 18 months. Kennoway Theft
Meanwhile, in Kennoway, 20-year-old Daniel McNeil pled guilty to theft after stealing from a sex worker he had hired. After consuming alcohol at a friend’s house in Methil, McNeil ordered an Uber to transport the woman to the property. Following a sexual encounter, McNeil, apparently dissatisfied, took money from the woman’s handbag before she left in distress. The incident highlights the vulnerability of those involved in sex work and the potential dangers they may encounter. Dundee Assault on Police
Finally, in Dundee, a court appearance marked by heightened security saw Carrie Ann Brown, 42, plead guilty to several charges relating to assaults on police officers. During the virtual hearing, six officers in riot gear were present as Brown, who is Hepatitis C positive, admitted to threatening violence and spitting at officers at the Carseview Centre and during transport to Dundee’s police headquarters on March 25th. She also pled guilty to headbutting and attempting to kick an officer while claiming to be infected with the virus. Brown’s solicitor, Ross Bennet, described how Brown was now under protection in prison due to the disclosure of her health status. Sheriff Derek Reekie deferred sentencing until next month and remanded Brown in custody.