Perth and Kinross courts have recently navigated a series of varied and compelling legal cases, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human behaviour and the ongoing work of the local justice system. From unexpected confessions by inmates to a former court official’s frantic efforts to avoid imprisonment, these incidents span across Tayside and Fife, highlighting a range of challenges faced by individuals and the wider community. Perth Prisoner’s Unconventional Pastime Amidst Court Disruption
Ronnie Burns, a 40-year-old prisoner, made headlines following his appearance at Perth’s Tay Street court. On January 13, Burns admitted to exhibiting threatening and abusive behaviour while at the courthouse. The incident reportedly began when he became agitated after being informed that he could not share a cell with an acquaintance. His frustration escalated, leading him to shout and swear before causing damage within a toilet area, including smashing a glass inspection hatch, as well as damaging paper and soap dispensers.
During his sentencing, Burns offered a candid admission of “having a bad day” when the events unfolded. However, in a surprising update on his current disposition, he assured Sheriff Alison McKay of his improved conduct, stating, “I’ve just been doing my Sudokus.” Despite this newfound dedication to logic puzzles, Sheriff McKay determined that a further custodial sentence was appropriate. Burns, who hails from St Catherine’s Square, received an additional three months in jail, to be served consecutively with his existing eight-month sentence. Former Court Worker’s Race Against Time to Sell Fife Assets
Legal circles are also keenly following the ongoing saga of Shamshad Adams, a former court employee whose past abuse of power has led to a critical financial deadline. Adams faces a desperate race against time to liquidate several properties from her personal portfolio. She has been issued a stark warning: failure to pay a substantial compensation order by the festive period could result in her incarceration. This urgent situation stems from an earlier conviction where Adams was found guilty of exploiting her position to illicitly remove her ex-partner’s name from the property deeds of a holiday home located in a prestigious, gated community in Florida. The challenges of disposing of her Fife-based properties are making it difficult for Adams to meet the court-imposed financial obligation. Bridge of Earn Footballer Banned for Drug Driving in Perth City Centre
In a case impacting the local sports scene, Callum McConnell, a 30-year-old footballer for Bridge of Earn AFC, received a driving ban after being found with cannabis in his system. McConnell was intercepted driving through Perth city centre, along Canal Street and Scott Street, on February 7. Subsequent tests revealed that he was nearly five times over the legal drug-drive limit for cannabis, with a reading of 9.8 micrograms per litre of blood. While he pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of cocaine possession, which was accepted by the Crown, the drug-driving offence resulted in an interim driving ban. His solicitor, Lyndsey Barber, successfully requested a deferral of sentencing to allow for comprehensive background reports to be prepared. Sheriff Derek Reekie noted McConnell’s previously clean driving record spanning eight years. McConnell resides on Glamis Street in Perth. Perth Woman Faces Jail After Bottle Attack Caught on Camera
Public order was disturbed in Perth during a violent street altercation involving Samantha Ritchie. Footage obtained from the incident reportedly shows Ritchie engaged in a brawl outside a Chinese takeaway, where she was seen using a glass bottle to attack a rival. The chaotic scene, described as a frenzied mass of “flying limbs and fists,” has led to Ritchie facing a potential jail sentence. The visual evidence of the “dreadful” attack will be a significant factor as the court considers the appropriate punishment for her actions. Dundee Man Avoids Prison for Knife Incident, Given Curfew
In Dundee, Paul Hamilton successfully avoided a prison sentence despite being found guilty of assaulting a police officer. The incident, which took place on February 27, 2022, in Thurso Crescent, involved Hamilton presenting a knife during a disturbance. While initial court papers described him as “brandishing a blade,” Sheriff William Wood clarified that the evidence suggested he had “presented” the weapon, a distinction that offered a degree of leniency. Hamilton’s legal counsel, Theo Finlay, detailed his client’s long-standing battle with drug addiction but highlighted that the 45-year-old was now actively seeking positive change. Finlay advocated for a “robust alternative to custody.” Sheriff Wood, noting Hamilton’s relatively minor infractions since the incident, presented him with a choice between imprisonment and a curfew. Hamilton, from Landsdowne Court, was ultimately placed on a seven-month restriction of liberty order, with the curfew hours set to gradually reduce after the initial four months. This decision reflects a judicial balance between accountability and supporting rehabilitation within the community, offering Hamilton an opportunity to continue his recovery outside of prison walls.
Ronnie Burns, a 40-year-old prisoner, made headlines following his appearance at Perth’s Tay Street court. On January 13, Burns admitted to exhibiting threatening and abusive behaviour while at the courthouse. The incident reportedly began when he became agitated after being informed that he could not share a cell with an acquaintance. His frustration escalated, leading him to shout and swear before causing damage within a toilet area, including smashing a glass inspection hatch, as well as damaging paper and soap dispensers.
During his sentencing, Burns offered a candid admission of “having a bad day” when the events unfolded. However, in a surprising update on his current disposition, he assured Sheriff Alison McKay of his improved conduct, stating, “I’ve just been doing my Sudokus.” Despite this newfound dedication to logic puzzles, Sheriff McKay determined that a further custodial sentence was appropriate. Burns, who hails from St Catherine’s Square, received an additional three months in jail, to be served consecutively with his existing eight-month sentence. Former Court Worker’s Race Against Time to Sell Fife Assets
Legal circles are also keenly following the ongoing saga of Shamshad Adams, a former court employee whose past abuse of power has led to a critical financial deadline. Adams faces a desperate race against time to liquidate several properties from her personal portfolio. She has been issued a stark warning: failure to pay a substantial compensation order by the festive period could result in her incarceration. This urgent situation stems from an earlier conviction where Adams was found guilty of exploiting her position to illicitly remove her ex-partner’s name from the property deeds of a holiday home located in a prestigious, gated community in Florida. The challenges of disposing of her Fife-based properties are making it difficult for Adams to meet the court-imposed financial obligation. Bridge of Earn Footballer Banned for Drug Driving in Perth City Centre
In a case impacting the local sports scene, Callum McConnell, a 30-year-old footballer for Bridge of Earn AFC, received a driving ban after being found with cannabis in his system. McConnell was intercepted driving through Perth city centre, along Canal Street and Scott Street, on February 7. Subsequent tests revealed that he was nearly five times over the legal drug-drive limit for cannabis, with a reading of 9.8 micrograms per litre of blood. While he pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of cocaine possession, which was accepted by the Crown, the drug-driving offence resulted in an interim driving ban. His solicitor, Lyndsey Barber, successfully requested a deferral of sentencing to allow for comprehensive background reports to be prepared. Sheriff Derek Reekie noted McConnell’s previously clean driving record spanning eight years. McConnell resides on Glamis Street in Perth. Perth Woman Faces Jail After Bottle Attack Caught on Camera
Public order was disturbed in Perth during a violent street altercation involving Samantha Ritchie. Footage obtained from the incident reportedly shows Ritchie engaged in a brawl outside a Chinese takeaway, where she was seen using a glass bottle to attack a rival. The chaotic scene, described as a frenzied mass of “flying limbs and fists,” has led to Ritchie facing a potential jail sentence. The visual evidence of the “dreadful” attack will be a significant factor as the court considers the appropriate punishment for her actions. Dundee Man Avoids Prison for Knife Incident, Given Curfew
In Dundee, Paul Hamilton successfully avoided a prison sentence despite being found guilty of assaulting a police officer. The incident, which took place on February 27, 2022, in Thurso Crescent, involved Hamilton presenting a knife during a disturbance. While initial court papers described him as “brandishing a blade,” Sheriff William Wood clarified that the evidence suggested he had “presented” the weapon, a distinction that offered a degree of leniency. Hamilton’s legal counsel, Theo Finlay, detailed his client’s long-standing battle with drug addiction but highlighted that the 45-year-old was now actively seeking positive change. Finlay advocated for a “robust alternative to custody.” Sheriff Wood, noting Hamilton’s relatively minor infractions since the incident, presented him with a choice between imprisonment and a curfew. Hamilton, from Landsdowne Court, was ultimately placed on a seven-month restriction of liberty order, with the curfew hours set to gradually reduce after the initial four months. This decision reflects a judicial balance between accountability and supporting rehabilitation within the community, offering Hamilton an opportunity to continue his recovery outside of prison walls.