Recent sittings across Tayside and Fife courts, with significant implications for Perthshire residents, have concluded several notable cases, shedding light on a range of offences from public disorder to severe criminal actions and accountability in care. The proceedings covered local disturbances, unexpected turns of events on country roads, and serious questions about responsibility, all culminating in a series of judicial outcomes impacting individuals and communities.
A startling incident unfolded late one August night in Dundee, near the bustling Camperdown Park, following a popular music event. Alexander Mitchell, a 43-year-old man with connections to Markinch, Fife, found himself embroiled in a heated argument in the car park of a fast-food restaurant. The dispute escalated dramatically when Mitchell, in a fit of rage, repeatedly struck the rear passenger window of a Volkswagen Passat. The impact was severe enough to shatter the glass, a particularly reckless act given that the vehicle also contained his partner and, disturbingly, a three-year-old child belonging to the other man involved in the altercation. Mitchell, who had been held in custody since the incident, eventually admitted his guilt before the court. His solicitor advocate noted the accused’s surprise at the extent of the damage caused and highlighted steps taken by his client to seek support since his incarceration. Following a review of the circumstances, Sheriff Neil Kinnear sentenced Mitchell to 81 days in custody, a term he had already served while awaiting trial, leading to his immediate release. This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly public arguments can spiral out of control with dangerous consequences for innocent bystanders.
In unrelated legal news that will be of interest to local football fans, St Johnstone’s cup-winning hero, Shaun Rooney, has been cleared of charges relating to assault and threatening behaviour. The 29-year-old defender, a familiar face to supporters in Perth, had been accused of an incident involving an 18-year-old girl at a chip shop in Glasgow’s Queen Street. The allegations stemmed from a September incident, but after a two-day trial, the court found Rooney not guilty. This outcome brings a resolution to a period of uncertainty for the popular player, allowing him to put the matter behind him and continue with his career.
Closer to home in Perthshire, former professional footballer Lee Dair narrowly avoided a driving ban following an accident on a treacherous rural road. The 48-year-old ex-Raith Rovers midfielder appeared at Perth’s Justice of the Peace Court after writing off his mother’s Honda HR-V on black ice near Five Mile Wood, Stanley, this past February. Dair admitted to driving without insurance, but a hearing focused on special mitigating reasons. He explained to the court that his own vehicle was in a garage for repairs, leading him to use his mother’s car. A miscommunication over adding him to her insurance policy meant that cover was never officially secured, despite a minimal additional monthly cost. Dair, who coaches youth teams and was appearing in court for the first time, conveyed it was a genuine misunderstanding. Justice of the Peace Andrew Kilpatrick accepted the explanation, admonishing Dair for the offence, thereby sparing him a driving ban. This case highlights the hidden dangers of winter driving on Perthshire’s roads and the critical importance of verifying insurance details, even for minor changes.
Meanwhile, a Fife care home operator, Lister House (Fife) Ltd, faced significant penalties after a tragic incident involving a resident. The company was fined £68,500 after a resident choked to death on a sausage supper on October 2, 2023. The court heard that the woman had known difficulties with swallowing and was on a restricted diet. However, staff failed to ensure that her food, specifically a sausage, was cut into adequately small pieces and that its skin was removed. While the incident was described as a one-off, the hefty fine underscores the stringent responsibilities of care providers to maintain meticulous standards of safety and individualised care for vulnerable residents. The judgment serves as a somber reminder of the profound trust placed in care facilities and the devastating consequences when those standards are not met.
Finally, a severe and disturbing case from Crieff concluded with a clear message from the High Court in Glasgow. Caileon Ward, a 26-year-old man, has been told he faces a “very long time” in prison following his conviction for the serial abuse of two young women. Ward subjected his victims to harrowing ordeals over a four-year period between 2019 and 2023 at various locations in the Perthshire town. The court heard he repeatedly engaged in deeply disturbing acts against one woman, often when she was asleep, and once after his demands for sex were rejected, telling her he “really did not f***ing care” before restraining and assaulting her. He also brandished a knife at the victim, verbally abused her, and forced her to strip before she managed to escape. A second victim endured a similarly dehumanising experience, which included Ward, under the influence of drink and drugs, threatening to drive their car off a bridge on New Year’s Day 2023, and menacingly running a knife up and down her legs. Ward pleaded guilty to six serious charges, including multiple counts of rape. Lord Scott deferred sentencing until next month, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes and the lengthy custodial sentence that awaits him. The judicial system is committed to protecting the community and delivering justice for victims of such horrific crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law for their actions.
A startling incident unfolded late one August night in Dundee, near the bustling Camperdown Park, following a popular music event. Alexander Mitchell, a 43-year-old man with connections to Markinch, Fife, found himself embroiled in a heated argument in the car park of a fast-food restaurant. The dispute escalated dramatically when Mitchell, in a fit of rage, repeatedly struck the rear passenger window of a Volkswagen Passat. The impact was severe enough to shatter the glass, a particularly reckless act given that the vehicle also contained his partner and, disturbingly, a three-year-old child belonging to the other man involved in the altercation. Mitchell, who had been held in custody since the incident, eventually admitted his guilt before the court. His solicitor advocate noted the accused’s surprise at the extent of the damage caused and highlighted steps taken by his client to seek support since his incarceration. Following a review of the circumstances, Sheriff Neil Kinnear sentenced Mitchell to 81 days in custody, a term he had already served while awaiting trial, leading to his immediate release. This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly public arguments can spiral out of control with dangerous consequences for innocent bystanders.
In unrelated legal news that will be of interest to local football fans, St Johnstone’s cup-winning hero, Shaun Rooney, has been cleared of charges relating to assault and threatening behaviour. The 29-year-old defender, a familiar face to supporters in Perth, had been accused of an incident involving an 18-year-old girl at a chip shop in Glasgow’s Queen Street. The allegations stemmed from a September incident, but after a two-day trial, the court found Rooney not guilty. This outcome brings a resolution to a period of uncertainty for the popular player, allowing him to put the matter behind him and continue with his career.
Closer to home in Perthshire, former professional footballer Lee Dair narrowly avoided a driving ban following an accident on a treacherous rural road. The 48-year-old ex-Raith Rovers midfielder appeared at Perth’s Justice of the Peace Court after writing off his mother’s Honda HR-V on black ice near Five Mile Wood, Stanley, this past February. Dair admitted to driving without insurance, but a hearing focused on special mitigating reasons. He explained to the court that his own vehicle was in a garage for repairs, leading him to use his mother’s car. A miscommunication over adding him to her insurance policy meant that cover was never officially secured, despite a minimal additional monthly cost. Dair, who coaches youth teams and was appearing in court for the first time, conveyed it was a genuine misunderstanding. Justice of the Peace Andrew Kilpatrick accepted the explanation, admonishing Dair for the offence, thereby sparing him a driving ban. This case highlights the hidden dangers of winter driving on Perthshire’s roads and the critical importance of verifying insurance details, even for minor changes.
Meanwhile, a Fife care home operator, Lister House (Fife) Ltd, faced significant penalties after a tragic incident involving a resident. The company was fined £68,500 after a resident choked to death on a sausage supper on October 2, 2023. The court heard that the woman had known difficulties with swallowing and was on a restricted diet. However, staff failed to ensure that her food, specifically a sausage, was cut into adequately small pieces and that its skin was removed. While the incident was described as a one-off, the hefty fine underscores the stringent responsibilities of care providers to maintain meticulous standards of safety and individualised care for vulnerable residents. The judgment serves as a somber reminder of the profound trust placed in care facilities and the devastating consequences when those standards are not met.
Finally, a severe and disturbing case from Crieff concluded with a clear message from the High Court in Glasgow. Caileon Ward, a 26-year-old man, has been told he faces a “very long time” in prison following his conviction for the serial abuse of two young women. Ward subjected his victims to harrowing ordeals over a four-year period between 2019 and 2023 at various locations in the Perthshire town. The court heard he repeatedly engaged in deeply disturbing acts against one woman, often when she was asleep, and once after his demands for sex were rejected, telling her he “really did not f***ing care” before restraining and assaulting her. He also brandished a knife at the victim, verbally abused her, and forced her to strip before she managed to escape. A second victim endured a similarly dehumanising experience, which included Ward, under the influence of drink and drugs, threatening to drive their car off a bridge on New Year’s Day 2023, and menacingly running a knife up and down her legs. Ward pleaded guilty to six serious charges, including multiple counts of rape. Lord Scott deferred sentencing until next month, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes and the lengthy custodial sentence that awaits him. The judicial system is committed to protecting the community and delivering justice for victims of such horrific crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law for their actions.