A recent legal proceeding in Perth has shed light on the discovery of a prohibited incapacitant spray at a Crieff residence, an item directly linked to a Dundee man known for his involvement in illegal money-lending and other criminal activities.
The incident unfolded approximately three and a half years ago when law enforcement officers, executing a search warrant related to drug offenses, descended upon a property in the tranquil Perthshire town. While the initial target of their investigation was illicit narcotics, what they ultimately uncovered was a canister of pelargonic acid vanillylamide, commonly referred to as PAVA spray. The Nature of PAVA and Its Legal Status
PAVA is a chemical agent designed to cause temporary incapacitation, similar to pepper spray. Under strict firearms legislation, specifically the Firearms Act 1968 in the UK, any weapon manufactured or adapted for the purpose of discharging noxious liquids or gases is deemed illegal. Possession of such a device, therefore, carries significant legal consequences, reflecting the serious threat it poses to public safety. The presence of such a prohibited item in a local community underscores concerns about hidden dangers. Details of the Investigation and Accused’s Connections
The individual at the centre of this discovery was James McPhee, although he was not present at his mother’s Crieff home during the police operation. Forensic analysis later confirmed McPhee’s direct connection to the illegal spray, with his DNA being identified on the edges, push button, and flip safety cover of the canister. This evidence solidified the link between the prohibited item and the Dundee man, who had a history of regular stays at the Crieff address.
When subsequently questioned by police, McPhee acknowledged his frequent presence at the property, confirming the residential connection. His admission regarding the offence, a breach of the stringent firearms legislation, was made ahead of a scheduled jury trial, demonstrating an acceptance of responsibility for the illicit possession. A History of Offending
The court heard that McPhee’s criminal record dates back to his teenage years, beginning at the age of 16 with a conviction for wilful fire-raising. Over the years, his history has accumulated further convictions, including breaches of bail conditions and other court orders, culpable and reckless conduct, malicious mischief, and various dishonesty offences. This pattern of behaviour paints a picture of an individual repeatedly involved in unlawful acts.
At the time of the PAVA discovery, McPhee was already subject to bail conditions related to a separate firearms allegation. While that specific charge was later dismissed by a sheriff, finding no case to answer, the ongoing legal entanglement highlights the persistent nature of his brushes with the law.
This is not McPhee’s first significant sentence. He had previously served an 18-month prison term for a disturbing extortion scheme that targeted vulnerable individuals in April and August of 2021. This earlier conviction painted a stark picture of his predatory activities. The Extortion Racket: Exploiting Vulnerability in Communities
His prior criminal enterprise involved advertising his money-lending services via social media, specifically targeting residents of Crieff who were facing financial difficulties. He exploited the desperation of those in hardship, preying on their vulnerable circumstances. In one particularly egregious instance, a victim struggling financially found herself ensnared in his web. Another was a vulnerable adult with significant learning difficulties, further highlighting the callous nature of his actions.
When these victims inevitably found themselves unable to repay the exorbitant sums, often double the original amount borrowed, McPhee resorted to making terrifying violent threats against them and their families. This deeply unsettling behaviour instilled fear and caused immense distress within the community. Sentencing and Community Safety
For the illegal possession of the PAVA spray, Sheriff William Wood delivered a sentence requiring McPhee, aged 32, to undertake 250 hours of unpaid work within the community. Additionally, a six-month overnight curfew was imposed, mandating his presence at his home address in Craigie Drive, Dundee, during specified hours. This sentence aims to serve as a deterrent and a measure of rehabilitation while acknowledging the seriousness of the offence.
The discovery of illegal weapons and the associated criminal activities in areas like Crieff and the broader Perth and Kinross region are a grave concern for local residents and authorities alike. Such incidents underscore the continuous efforts needed to uphold public safety and ensure that individuals involved in criminal enterprises are held accountable for their actions, protecting the fabric of our communities.
The incident unfolded approximately three and a half years ago when law enforcement officers, executing a search warrant related to drug offenses, descended upon a property in the tranquil Perthshire town. While the initial target of their investigation was illicit narcotics, what they ultimately uncovered was a canister of pelargonic acid vanillylamide, commonly referred to as PAVA spray. The Nature of PAVA and Its Legal Status
PAVA is a chemical agent designed to cause temporary incapacitation, similar to pepper spray. Under strict firearms legislation, specifically the Firearms Act 1968 in the UK, any weapon manufactured or adapted for the purpose of discharging noxious liquids or gases is deemed illegal. Possession of such a device, therefore, carries significant legal consequences, reflecting the serious threat it poses to public safety. The presence of such a prohibited item in a local community underscores concerns about hidden dangers. Details of the Investigation and Accused’s Connections
The individual at the centre of this discovery was James McPhee, although he was not present at his mother’s Crieff home during the police operation. Forensic analysis later confirmed McPhee’s direct connection to the illegal spray, with his DNA being identified on the edges, push button, and flip safety cover of the canister. This evidence solidified the link between the prohibited item and the Dundee man, who had a history of regular stays at the Crieff address.
When subsequently questioned by police, McPhee acknowledged his frequent presence at the property, confirming the residential connection. His admission regarding the offence, a breach of the stringent firearms legislation, was made ahead of a scheduled jury trial, demonstrating an acceptance of responsibility for the illicit possession. A History of Offending
The court heard that McPhee’s criminal record dates back to his teenage years, beginning at the age of 16 with a conviction for wilful fire-raising. Over the years, his history has accumulated further convictions, including breaches of bail conditions and other court orders, culpable and reckless conduct, malicious mischief, and various dishonesty offences. This pattern of behaviour paints a picture of an individual repeatedly involved in unlawful acts.
At the time of the PAVA discovery, McPhee was already subject to bail conditions related to a separate firearms allegation. While that specific charge was later dismissed by a sheriff, finding no case to answer, the ongoing legal entanglement highlights the persistent nature of his brushes with the law.
This is not McPhee’s first significant sentence. He had previously served an 18-month prison term for a disturbing extortion scheme that targeted vulnerable individuals in April and August of 2021. This earlier conviction painted a stark picture of his predatory activities. The Extortion Racket: Exploiting Vulnerability in Communities
His prior criminal enterprise involved advertising his money-lending services via social media, specifically targeting residents of Crieff who were facing financial difficulties. He exploited the desperation of those in hardship, preying on their vulnerable circumstances. In one particularly egregious instance, a victim struggling financially found herself ensnared in his web. Another was a vulnerable adult with significant learning difficulties, further highlighting the callous nature of his actions.
When these victims inevitably found themselves unable to repay the exorbitant sums, often double the original amount borrowed, McPhee resorted to making terrifying violent threats against them and their families. This deeply unsettling behaviour instilled fear and caused immense distress within the community. Sentencing and Community Safety
For the illegal possession of the PAVA spray, Sheriff William Wood delivered a sentence requiring McPhee, aged 32, to undertake 250 hours of unpaid work within the community. Additionally, a six-month overnight curfew was imposed, mandating his presence at his home address in Craigie Drive, Dundee, during specified hours. This sentence aims to serve as a deterrent and a measure of rehabilitation while acknowledging the seriousness of the offence.
The discovery of illegal weapons and the associated criminal activities in areas like Crieff and the broader Perth and Kinross region are a grave concern for local residents and authorities alike. Such incidents underscore the continuous efforts needed to uphold public safety and ensure that individuals involved in criminal enterprises are held accountable for their actions, protecting the fabric of our communities.