This week, judicial proceedings across Tayside and Fife have brought to light a diverse array of criminal activities, from road safety violations to disturbing acts within correctional facilities, underscoring the ongoing efforts of the justice system to maintain public order and safety within our communities, including Perth and Kinross.
One notable case involved a delivery driver, Kian Ralph, 19, from Cumnock, who faced penalties following a collision on a Fife motorway slip road. The incident, which occurred on October 24 last year, saw Ralph, behind the wheel of a white Renault van, collide with another vehicle that had stopped unexpectedly on the M90 northbound Rosyth on-slip. Investigations revealed that Ralph was found to be over the prescribed limits for both cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, indicating recent drug use. His defence highlighted that the other vehicle’s sudden stop contributed to the incident. Mr. Ralph, now no longer driving for his employer, was handed an £800 fine and a one-year driving ban. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of unimpaired driving and maintaining safe distances on our roads, principles vital for ensuring the safety of all motorists in areas like Perth and its surrounding road networks.
In a more complex and troubling development, a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court concluded with three individuals, including a police officer, found guilty of charges related to extortion. Sisters Chloe Sinclair, 29, and Freya Shaw, 25, alongside suspended PC Steven Charletta, 59, were involved in an attempt to extort a man whom one of the sisters alleged had defrauded her of £500 during a sex work encounter. The court heard that in 2020, Ms. Shaw claimed she received shredded paper instead of cash after a meeting in a BMW. Subsequently, Mr. Charletta, a friend of Ms. Sinclair, used his position to conduct checks on the BMW’s registration. This case highlights serious breaches of public trust and the misuse of authority, reminding citizens across Tayside and Fife, including here in Perthshire, of the importance of accountability within all sectors, especially law enforcement. The details emerging from such trials often prompt wider conversations about community ethics and the measures in place to protect the public.
Domestic behaviour formed the basis of another significant case in Perth Sheriff Court, where Ionut Cotea, 38, residing on North Methven Street, admitted to threatening and abusive conduct towards his wife. The incident, which took place on August 30, 2024, at a property in Stroma Court, saw Mr. Cotea become enraged upon seeing a Facebook Messenger notification on his partner’s phone from her boss. The court heard he made chilling threats to ‘mutilate’ and ‘beat’ her. His solicitor stated that Mr. Cotea harboured suspicions about a ‘third party’ and reacted with anger when his wife shared the texts with another woman present. The defence noted that his client had since moved on and the relationship would not be rekindled. Sheriff William Wood imposed a fine of £450 on Mr. Cotea. This case is a painful reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the ongoing efforts within Perth and Kinross to support victims and address such unacceptable behaviour in private and public spaces.
Further legal proceedings in Perthshire raised concerns about public safety and animal control. A lurcher dog named Flame faces potential destruction following two separate incidents in a Perthshire village. The dog’s owner, Louise Barclay, had been caring for Flame while her ex-partner was incarcerated. The first incident involved the dog biting the hand of a personal injury assessor. On a later date, while being walked by its owner, the dog attacked an eight-year-old boy. The court is considering the severe measure of destruction for the animal, a decision that underscores the serious nature of dog attacks and the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community, particularly children. These cases often prompt important discussions within local Perth and Kinross communities about responsible pet ownership and the legal responsibilities that come with it.
Lastly, a disturbing case of prison assault came before Dundee Sheriff Court, involving Raheel Bajwa, 21, a high-risk sexual predator. Mr. Bajwa, who was sentenced to 12 months detention in December 2024 for targeting a 13-year-old girl on TikTok and Snapchat with indecent images and videos, was involved in a violent confrontation with a fellow inmate, Ross Buchan, at HMYOI Polmont on January 16 this year. Bajwa admitted to repeatedly punching Mr. Buchan on the head and body, causing injury, after Mr. Buchan fell from an initial blow. The court previously heard how Bajwa had bombarded the girl with inappropriate content and even sent a voice note wishing her harm. He is currently on the sex offenders register for a decade and subject to a stringent sexual harm prevention order. Despite his history, Mr. Bajwa, now at liberty from the detention centre, was given a two-month restriction of liberty order (7pm-5am) as an alternative to further custody for the assault. This case, though occurring outside of Perth, reflects the broader challenges faced within the Scottish justice system and the need for robust measures to protect individuals, both inside and outside penal institutions.
These diverse cases from local courts collectively paint a picture of the daily work of justice, responding to a range of societal challenges. They highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in public safety, adherence to legal frameworks, and support for community well-being across Perth and Kinross.
One notable case involved a delivery driver, Kian Ralph, 19, from Cumnock, who faced penalties following a collision on a Fife motorway slip road. The incident, which occurred on October 24 last year, saw Ralph, behind the wheel of a white Renault van, collide with another vehicle that had stopped unexpectedly on the M90 northbound Rosyth on-slip. Investigations revealed that Ralph was found to be over the prescribed limits for both cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, indicating recent drug use. His defence highlighted that the other vehicle’s sudden stop contributed to the incident. Mr. Ralph, now no longer driving for his employer, was handed an £800 fine and a one-year driving ban. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of unimpaired driving and maintaining safe distances on our roads, principles vital for ensuring the safety of all motorists in areas like Perth and its surrounding road networks.
In a more complex and troubling development, a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court concluded with three individuals, including a police officer, found guilty of charges related to extortion. Sisters Chloe Sinclair, 29, and Freya Shaw, 25, alongside suspended PC Steven Charletta, 59, were involved in an attempt to extort a man whom one of the sisters alleged had defrauded her of £500 during a sex work encounter. The court heard that in 2020, Ms. Shaw claimed she received shredded paper instead of cash after a meeting in a BMW. Subsequently, Mr. Charletta, a friend of Ms. Sinclair, used his position to conduct checks on the BMW’s registration. This case highlights serious breaches of public trust and the misuse of authority, reminding citizens across Tayside and Fife, including here in Perthshire, of the importance of accountability within all sectors, especially law enforcement. The details emerging from such trials often prompt wider conversations about community ethics and the measures in place to protect the public.
Domestic behaviour formed the basis of another significant case in Perth Sheriff Court, where Ionut Cotea, 38, residing on North Methven Street, admitted to threatening and abusive conduct towards his wife. The incident, which took place on August 30, 2024, at a property in Stroma Court, saw Mr. Cotea become enraged upon seeing a Facebook Messenger notification on his partner’s phone from her boss. The court heard he made chilling threats to ‘mutilate’ and ‘beat’ her. His solicitor stated that Mr. Cotea harboured suspicions about a ‘third party’ and reacted with anger when his wife shared the texts with another woman present. The defence noted that his client had since moved on and the relationship would not be rekindled. Sheriff William Wood imposed a fine of £450 on Mr. Cotea. This case is a painful reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the ongoing efforts within Perth and Kinross to support victims and address such unacceptable behaviour in private and public spaces.
Further legal proceedings in Perthshire raised concerns about public safety and animal control. A lurcher dog named Flame faces potential destruction following two separate incidents in a Perthshire village. The dog’s owner, Louise Barclay, had been caring for Flame while her ex-partner was incarcerated. The first incident involved the dog biting the hand of a personal injury assessor. On a later date, while being walked by its owner, the dog attacked an eight-year-old boy. The court is considering the severe measure of destruction for the animal, a decision that underscores the serious nature of dog attacks and the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community, particularly children. These cases often prompt important discussions within local Perth and Kinross communities about responsible pet ownership and the legal responsibilities that come with it.
Lastly, a disturbing case of prison assault came before Dundee Sheriff Court, involving Raheel Bajwa, 21, a high-risk sexual predator. Mr. Bajwa, who was sentenced to 12 months detention in December 2024 for targeting a 13-year-old girl on TikTok and Snapchat with indecent images and videos, was involved in a violent confrontation with a fellow inmate, Ross Buchan, at HMYOI Polmont on January 16 this year. Bajwa admitted to repeatedly punching Mr. Buchan on the head and body, causing injury, after Mr. Buchan fell from an initial blow. The court previously heard how Bajwa had bombarded the girl with inappropriate content and even sent a voice note wishing her harm. He is currently on the sex offenders register for a decade and subject to a stringent sexual harm prevention order. Despite his history, Mr. Bajwa, now at liberty from the detention centre, was given a two-month restriction of liberty order (7pm-5am) as an alternative to further custody for the assault. This case, though occurring outside of Perth, reflects the broader challenges faced within the Scottish justice system and the need for robust measures to protect individuals, both inside and outside penal institutions.
These diverse cases from local courts collectively paint a picture of the daily work of justice, responding to a range of societal challenges. They highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in public safety, adherence to legal frameworks, and support for community well-being across Perth and Kinross.