A series of incidents across Tayside and Fife have highlighted various criminal activities, from armed shop raids to dangerous driving and impersonating a police officer. These cases, heard in courts across the region, underscore the need for continued vigilance and community safety efforts. Dundee Shop Raids and Assault
A 43-year-old repeat offender, James Donoghue, has been arrested following a series of armed robberies targeting shops in Dundee. Donoghue, recently released from prison, first attempted to steal steaks from a Greens Local store in Albert Street last November. After being confronted by a security guard, he brandished a knife and escaped.
Just a week later, Donoghue returned to the same store and threatened a female employee with a knife, demanding she open the till. Though unsuccessful in this attempt, he later robbed SK News on King Street using a screwdriver. He made off with cash and approximately 70 e-cigarettes. Police apprehended Donoghue shortly after, finding him counting the stolen money. He later assaulted police officers while receiving medical treatment in hospital. Donoghue pled guilty to two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and threatening and abusive behaviour. Given his extensive criminal history, which includes prior high court convictions for violence and robbery, he awaits sentencing. Motorway Impersonation in Perthshire
Sidney McLagan, a registered sex offender, impersonated a military police officer to stop a pregnant woman on the M90 motorway. McLagan used flashing orange lights on his dashboard and high-beam headlights to coerce the 29-year-old driver to pull over. This disturbing incident raises concerns about public safety and the potential for misuse of authority. Footsie Assault on Dundee-Bound Train
Nathan Dunlop, 35, pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour after using his foot to touch a woman’s leg and foot without her consent on a train journey between Glasgow and Dundee. While the original charge was sexual assault, the court accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge. Dunlop was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the victim within 28 days. This case highlights the importance of respecting personal space and ensuring the safety and comfort of fellow passengers on public transport. Possible Life Sentence for Dundee Paedophile
James Donaldson, 59, from Dundee, faces a potential life sentence after being found guilty of four serious sexual offences. Donaldson, who at one point was a suspect in an unsolved murder case, is currently being assessed for a lifelong restriction order. The severity of the crimes and Donaldson’s history pose serious questions about community safety and the management of high-risk offenders. Domestic Violence in Glenrothes
James McDonagh, 36, was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment for a violent assault on his partner in Glenrothes. The assault, triggered by the victim hugging a male friend, involved McDonagh dragging his partner by the hair, kicking her ribs, and punching her head. This resulted in multiple bruises to the victim’s chest. McDonagh’s history of domestic violence, though with a gap since his last reported incident in 2015, contributed to the sentencing decision. Copper Tank Thefts in Dundee
Ross Pettigrew, a gas engineer, was apprehended during a police investigation into a spate of break-ins across Dundee. Pettigrew targeted 21 homes on the same street, gaining entry and destroying walls to remove copper water tanks, each worth an estimated £200 for resale. His arrest brings some relief to the community impacted by these thefts. Reckless Driving and Assault at Horn Milk Bar
James Gauld, 51, caused a dangerous driving incident on the A90 Perth to Dundee road. After weaving erratically, forcing other drivers to take evasive action, he was stopped by a concerned member of the public in the Horn Milk Bar car park. Gauld then drove his car towards the individual, only stopping when confronted by police. He was found to be intoxicated. During his arrest, Gauld became aggressive, refusing a breathalyser test and assaulting an officer. In court, Gauld admitted to dangerous driving, police assault, and refusing to provide breath samples. He was sentenced to 145 days in prison and disqualified from driving for one year. Sheriff Alison McKay emphasised the seriousness of the driving offence and the clear danger Gauld posed to other road users. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with driving under the influence and the importance of responsible behaviour on Perth and Kinross roads.
A 43-year-old repeat offender, James Donoghue, has been arrested following a series of armed robberies targeting shops in Dundee. Donoghue, recently released from prison, first attempted to steal steaks from a Greens Local store in Albert Street last November. After being confronted by a security guard, he brandished a knife and escaped.
Just a week later, Donoghue returned to the same store and threatened a female employee with a knife, demanding she open the till. Though unsuccessful in this attempt, he later robbed SK News on King Street using a screwdriver. He made off with cash and approximately 70 e-cigarettes. Police apprehended Donoghue shortly after, finding him counting the stolen money. He later assaulted police officers while receiving medical treatment in hospital. Donoghue pled guilty to two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and threatening and abusive behaviour. Given his extensive criminal history, which includes prior high court convictions for violence and robbery, he awaits sentencing. Motorway Impersonation in Perthshire
Sidney McLagan, a registered sex offender, impersonated a military police officer to stop a pregnant woman on the M90 motorway. McLagan used flashing orange lights on his dashboard and high-beam headlights to coerce the 29-year-old driver to pull over. This disturbing incident raises concerns about public safety and the potential for misuse of authority. Footsie Assault on Dundee-Bound Train
Nathan Dunlop, 35, pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour after using his foot to touch a woman’s leg and foot without her consent on a train journey between Glasgow and Dundee. While the original charge was sexual assault, the court accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge. Dunlop was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the victim within 28 days. This case highlights the importance of respecting personal space and ensuring the safety and comfort of fellow passengers on public transport. Possible Life Sentence for Dundee Paedophile
James Donaldson, 59, from Dundee, faces a potential life sentence after being found guilty of four serious sexual offences. Donaldson, who at one point was a suspect in an unsolved murder case, is currently being assessed for a lifelong restriction order. The severity of the crimes and Donaldson’s history pose serious questions about community safety and the management of high-risk offenders. Domestic Violence in Glenrothes
James McDonagh, 36, was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment for a violent assault on his partner in Glenrothes. The assault, triggered by the victim hugging a male friend, involved McDonagh dragging his partner by the hair, kicking her ribs, and punching her head. This resulted in multiple bruises to the victim’s chest. McDonagh’s history of domestic violence, though with a gap since his last reported incident in 2015, contributed to the sentencing decision. Copper Tank Thefts in Dundee
Ross Pettigrew, a gas engineer, was apprehended during a police investigation into a spate of break-ins across Dundee. Pettigrew targeted 21 homes on the same street, gaining entry and destroying walls to remove copper water tanks, each worth an estimated £200 for resale. His arrest brings some relief to the community impacted by these thefts. Reckless Driving and Assault at Horn Milk Bar
James Gauld, 51, caused a dangerous driving incident on the A90 Perth to Dundee road. After weaving erratically, forcing other drivers to take evasive action, he was stopped by a concerned member of the public in the Horn Milk Bar car park. Gauld then drove his car towards the individual, only stopping when confronted by police. He was found to be intoxicated. During his arrest, Gauld became aggressive, refusing a breathalyser test and assaulting an officer. In court, Gauld admitted to dangerous driving, police assault, and refusing to provide breath samples. He was sentenced to 145 days in prison and disqualified from driving for one year. Sheriff Alison McKay emphasised the seriousness of the driving offence and the clear danger Gauld posed to other road users. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with driving under the influence and the importance of responsible behaviour on Perth and Kinross roads.