Residents across Perth and Kinross are taking note of the latest judicial outcomes from courts spanning Tayside and Fife, as a series of diverse cases have recently reached their conclusions. These rulings highlight the continuous commitment of the legal system to uphold justice and ensure public safety within our local communities and neighbouring regions. From instances of financial misconduct in a retail environment to severe penalties for violent offences and drug-related activities, the array of sentences issued underscores the judiciary’s unwavering mandate. Former Worker Ordered to Pay Compensation for Theft
In a case that underscores the crucial element of trust in commercial settings, particularly for independent businesses, a former employee of a garden centre located in Brechin has been mandated to repay a substantial sum following a period of admitted theft. Anne Scott, 61, of Market Street, Brechin, previously pleaded guilty in April at Forfar Sheriff Court to stealing £3,000 from the till at Trinity Garden Centre. This illicit activity occurred while she was employed there between December 2017 and December 2018. Sentencing had initially been postponed to allow Ms. Scott to begin accumulating funds for restitution. Her solicitor, Michael Boyd, informed the court that she had successfully saved £900 and proposed to clear the remaining balance through monthly payments of £100. Sheriff Derek Reekie, acknowledging her initial efforts, ordered that the £900 be paid within seven days, with the outstanding £2,600 to be repaid at the rate of £100 per month. This outcome serves as a reminder to businesses throughout the region, including those cherished establishments in Perth and Kinross, of the importance of robust internal controls and the consequences of financial dishonesty. Police Officers Fined Following Fife Murder Scene Misconduct
From Fife, a troubling incident involving police misconduct saw two former officers, Louise Lawson, 26, and Kimberley Jandu, 33, each handed a £1,500 fine. The pair admitted to neglecting or violating their duties by discarding potentially crucial forensic evidence from a murder scene and subsequently failing to provide accurate statements. Both individuals have since resigned from the force. This case highlights the critical responsibilities held by law enforcement and the rigorous standards expected of them, with repercussions that resonate across all areas, including how Perth and Kinross communities perceive police integrity. Perthshire Resident Sentenced for Domestic Assault in Kirkcaldy
Closer to home, a Perthshire man, Lindsay Smith, 33, from Glenearn Terrace, Bridge of Earn, has been subjected to a strict curfew after confessing to a vicious domestic assault that occurred in Kirkcaldy. Smith had been released on bail just a month prior, with explicit instructions not to contact the woman involved. Despite these conditions, he attacked his partner on Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade on July 25. The court heard distressing details of the assault, including how he forcibly seized her, causing her to fall to the ground, before straddling her, repeatedly punching her, and seizing her by the throat. He further pushed and pulled her by her clothing. His solicitor stated that Smith accepted his behaviour was influenced by alcohol, though he did not identify as an alcoholic. Sheriff Robert More noted Smith’s good fortune in facing a summary complaint, remarking on the “appalling” and “sustained” nature of the incident which compelled members of the public to intervene. Smith was placed under supervision for 18 months and given a 130-day curfew, requiring him to remain at home between 9pm and 7am. This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals and the broader community, reinforcing the legal system’s resolve to protect victims in Perth and Kinross and beyond. Gym Altercation Results in Significant Compensation Order
In Fife, a dispute over a gym machine escalated into a violent assault, resulting in a significant compensation order. Isaac McMillan, a 30-year-old roofer, was ordered to pay £6,000 in compensation after headbutting a fellow gym-goer. The victim, aged 53, required surgery on his knees due to the assault, which took place at Gym 64 on Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade on the evening of May 26. McMillan’s conviction following a trial underscores that even minor disagreements can have severe and costly repercussions when violence is involved, a lesson pertinent to any public space where tensions might arise. Drug Trafficker Forfeits Cash in Proceeds of Crime Action
The fight against drug crime saw a significant outcome in Tayside, as a drug-dealer operating in Dundee agreed to surrender money as part of a proceeds of crime action. Ridvan Morina, 21, was apprehended with cocaine valued at over £100,000 after police intercepted him attempting to escape through a bedroom window during a raid. Cash totalling £5,310, discovered during the operation at a property in Aberdeen, was confiscated from Morina. Police intelligence indicated a specific phone number was being used by an Albanian male involved in Class A drug supply across Aberdeen and Dundee. Officers forced entry to the Stoneywood Road address on March 26, finding Morina attempting to flee. The search uncovered 856g of cocaine, with a potential street value of £101,600. Morina’s DNA was found on scales and a knife, both bearing cocaine residue. He admitted his involvement in supplying cocaine and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. The subsequent proceeds of crime action resulted in an agreed benefit from general criminal conduct of £78,000, leading to the confiscation order for the £5,310 available. This successful confiscation sends a clear message about the unwavering pursuit of those involved in drug dealing, a concern for all communities, including Perth and Kinross. Disgraced Former Café Boss Sentenced for Online Offences
In Dundee, disgraced former café boss Omar Sohail has been subjected to stringent conditions restricting his access to children, in addition to being ordered to perform unpaid work. Sohail was found guilty of sending a barrage of sexual messages to what he believed to be an underage schoolgirl – who was, in fact, a decoy operated by paedophile hunters. This case highlights the ongoing dangers of online exploitation and the vigilance required to protect children from such predators, a crime with devastating potential impact on families everywhere, including those in Perthshire. Drink-Drive Crash Leads to Heavy Penalties in Dundee
Finally, a 52-year-old man faced severe penalties in Dundee Sheriff Court after being found to be more than five times the legal drink-drive limit following a collision. Ronnie Boyd was observed to be unsteady on his feet and slurring his words after the incident on Longhaugh Road on September 13. He failed a roadside breath test after police located him at approximately 7:30 PM. At the West Bell Street headquarters, Boyd, of Troon Crescent, provided a significantly high breath alcohol reading of 113 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, far exceeding the 22 microgram legal limit. His defence solicitor, Scott Mackie, explained that his client had experienced a breakdown following the end of his marriage. Sheriff Paul Ralph imposed a fine of £640 and disqualified Boyd from driving for 16 months following his guilty plea. This case serves as a stark warning about the perils of impaired driving and the serious legal consequences that follow, safeguarding road users across Perth and Kinross. Courts Uphold Public Safety Across the Region
These recent proceedings from across Tayside and Fife underscore the courts’ continued dedication to maintaining public order and safety. The range of sentences, from compensation and curfews to fines and incarceration, reflects the serious nature of the offences and the judicial commitment to protecting residents. The outcomes of these cases serve as vital information for citizens in Perth and Kinross, reminding everyone of the importance of adherence to the law and the robust legal framework in place to address wrongdoing in our society.
In a case that underscores the crucial element of trust in commercial settings, particularly for independent businesses, a former employee of a garden centre located in Brechin has been mandated to repay a substantial sum following a period of admitted theft. Anne Scott, 61, of Market Street, Brechin, previously pleaded guilty in April at Forfar Sheriff Court to stealing £3,000 from the till at Trinity Garden Centre. This illicit activity occurred while she was employed there between December 2017 and December 2018. Sentencing had initially been postponed to allow Ms. Scott to begin accumulating funds for restitution. Her solicitor, Michael Boyd, informed the court that she had successfully saved £900 and proposed to clear the remaining balance through monthly payments of £100. Sheriff Derek Reekie, acknowledging her initial efforts, ordered that the £900 be paid within seven days, with the outstanding £2,600 to be repaid at the rate of £100 per month. This outcome serves as a reminder to businesses throughout the region, including those cherished establishments in Perth and Kinross, of the importance of robust internal controls and the consequences of financial dishonesty. Police Officers Fined Following Fife Murder Scene Misconduct
From Fife, a troubling incident involving police misconduct saw two former officers, Louise Lawson, 26, and Kimberley Jandu, 33, each handed a £1,500 fine. The pair admitted to neglecting or violating their duties by discarding potentially crucial forensic evidence from a murder scene and subsequently failing to provide accurate statements. Both individuals have since resigned from the force. This case highlights the critical responsibilities held by law enforcement and the rigorous standards expected of them, with repercussions that resonate across all areas, including how Perth and Kinross communities perceive police integrity. Perthshire Resident Sentenced for Domestic Assault in Kirkcaldy
Closer to home, a Perthshire man, Lindsay Smith, 33, from Glenearn Terrace, Bridge of Earn, has been subjected to a strict curfew after confessing to a vicious domestic assault that occurred in Kirkcaldy. Smith had been released on bail just a month prior, with explicit instructions not to contact the woman involved. Despite these conditions, he attacked his partner on Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade on July 25. The court heard distressing details of the assault, including how he forcibly seized her, causing her to fall to the ground, before straddling her, repeatedly punching her, and seizing her by the throat. He further pushed and pulled her by her clothing. His solicitor stated that Smith accepted his behaviour was influenced by alcohol, though he did not identify as an alcoholic. Sheriff Robert More noted Smith’s good fortune in facing a summary complaint, remarking on the “appalling” and “sustained” nature of the incident which compelled members of the public to intervene. Smith was placed under supervision for 18 months and given a 130-day curfew, requiring him to remain at home between 9pm and 7am. This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals and the broader community, reinforcing the legal system’s resolve to protect victims in Perth and Kinross and beyond. Gym Altercation Results in Significant Compensation Order
In Fife, a dispute over a gym machine escalated into a violent assault, resulting in a significant compensation order. Isaac McMillan, a 30-year-old roofer, was ordered to pay £6,000 in compensation after headbutting a fellow gym-goer. The victim, aged 53, required surgery on his knees due to the assault, which took place at Gym 64 on Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade on the evening of May 26. McMillan’s conviction following a trial underscores that even minor disagreements can have severe and costly repercussions when violence is involved, a lesson pertinent to any public space where tensions might arise. Drug Trafficker Forfeits Cash in Proceeds of Crime Action
The fight against drug crime saw a significant outcome in Tayside, as a drug-dealer operating in Dundee agreed to surrender money as part of a proceeds of crime action. Ridvan Morina, 21, was apprehended with cocaine valued at over £100,000 after police intercepted him attempting to escape through a bedroom window during a raid. Cash totalling £5,310, discovered during the operation at a property in Aberdeen, was confiscated from Morina. Police intelligence indicated a specific phone number was being used by an Albanian male involved in Class A drug supply across Aberdeen and Dundee. Officers forced entry to the Stoneywood Road address on March 26, finding Morina attempting to flee. The search uncovered 856g of cocaine, with a potential street value of £101,600. Morina’s DNA was found on scales and a knife, both bearing cocaine residue. He admitted his involvement in supplying cocaine and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. The subsequent proceeds of crime action resulted in an agreed benefit from general criminal conduct of £78,000, leading to the confiscation order for the £5,310 available. This successful confiscation sends a clear message about the unwavering pursuit of those involved in drug dealing, a concern for all communities, including Perth and Kinross. Disgraced Former Café Boss Sentenced for Online Offences
In Dundee, disgraced former café boss Omar Sohail has been subjected to stringent conditions restricting his access to children, in addition to being ordered to perform unpaid work. Sohail was found guilty of sending a barrage of sexual messages to what he believed to be an underage schoolgirl – who was, in fact, a decoy operated by paedophile hunters. This case highlights the ongoing dangers of online exploitation and the vigilance required to protect children from such predators, a crime with devastating potential impact on families everywhere, including those in Perthshire. Drink-Drive Crash Leads to Heavy Penalties in Dundee
Finally, a 52-year-old man faced severe penalties in Dundee Sheriff Court after being found to be more than five times the legal drink-drive limit following a collision. Ronnie Boyd was observed to be unsteady on his feet and slurring his words after the incident on Longhaugh Road on September 13. He failed a roadside breath test after police located him at approximately 7:30 PM. At the West Bell Street headquarters, Boyd, of Troon Crescent, provided a significantly high breath alcohol reading of 113 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, far exceeding the 22 microgram legal limit. His defence solicitor, Scott Mackie, explained that his client had experienced a breakdown following the end of his marriage. Sheriff Paul Ralph imposed a fine of £640 and disqualified Boyd from driving for 16 months following his guilty plea. This case serves as a stark warning about the perils of impaired driving and the serious legal consequences that follow, safeguarding road users across Perth and Kinross. Courts Uphold Public Safety Across the Region
These recent proceedings from across Tayside and Fife underscore the courts’ continued dedication to maintaining public order and safety. The range of sentences, from compensation and curfews to fines and incarceration, reflects the serious nature of the offences and the judicial commitment to protecting residents. The outcomes of these cases serve as vital information for citizens in Perth and Kinross, reminding everyone of the importance of adherence to the law and the robust legal framework in place to address wrongdoing in our society.