From fake police officers to drug-impaired drivers and deceitful scammers, Perthshire has seen a range of unsettling incidents recently. These events highlight the importance of vigilance and awareness within our community. Bogus Constable Confronts Crieff Motorist
In Crieff, a local resident had an unexpected encounter with a man impersonating a police officer. George Francis was parked on King Street on July 23, 2024, when Jamie Meager, driving a Volvo, pulled up behind him. Meager exited his vehicle, falsely identified himself as a police officer, and proceeded to critique Mr. Francis’s driving. Meager has since admitted to impersonating a police officer and breaching bail conditions at Perth Sheriff Court. Sentencing is pending background reports. Classroom Assault Leaves Dundee Teacher Unconscious
A disturbing incident unfolded at a Dundee school where a pupil, Keiran Matthew, violently attacked a teacher, rendering her unconscious and bloodied. After the assault, Matthew reportedly displayed a callous disregard for the teacher’s well-being, further adding to the severity of the incident. The incident raises concerns about student behavior and classroom safety in local schools. Intoxicated Taxi Driver Enters Wrong Forfar Home
A Forfar taxi driver, Rahim Bahar, 50, has been relieved of his duties after a series of alcohol-related incidents on April 3, 2025. Bahar, who admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, was observed driving erratically and even entered a stranger’s residence before driving away. The homeowner’s presence briefly startled him before he exited, made a noise, and returned to his own car. His blood-alcohol level was significantly above the legal limit. Bahar, originally from Bangladesh and expecting a new child, claims he rarely drinks and was influenced by a friend. He was fined £380 and received a one-year driving ban. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with drunk driving, particularly within residential areas like Glenogil Terrace and Lentlands Road. Dundee Man’s Cheque Scam Spans Tayside and Fife
Ryan Lawson, a Dundee resident, has been sentenced for a protracted cheque fraud scheme targeting vehicle sellers online. The scam, which spanned over six years and impacted sellers across Tayside and Fife, involved Lawson using fraudulent cheques to purchase vehicles, leaving the unsuspecting sellers with substantial financial losses. Lawson’s complex and long-running scam highlights the increasing need for caution in online transactions, especially those involving high-value items. Drug-Impaired Driver Crashes While Transporting Vehicle
Mark Hamilton, 31, from Motherwell, was found to be six times over the drug-driving limit when he crashed a Range Rover Discovery he was transporting from Aberdeen to Strathclyde. The incident occurred near Bogindollo in Angus, where Hamilton’s vehicle overturned. Though the crash wasn’t directly caused by his driving, his impairment raised serious safety concerns. Hamilton claimed he believed the cocaine he had consumed days earlier was no longer in his system. He was fined £420 and disqualified from driving for 16 months. This incident emphasizes the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and the persistence of drugs in the body.
These recent incidents across Perthshire underscore the diverse challenges facing our community, demanding heightened vigilance from residents and continued efforts to improve safety and security for all.
In Crieff, a local resident had an unexpected encounter with a man impersonating a police officer. George Francis was parked on King Street on July 23, 2024, when Jamie Meager, driving a Volvo, pulled up behind him. Meager exited his vehicle, falsely identified himself as a police officer, and proceeded to critique Mr. Francis’s driving. Meager has since admitted to impersonating a police officer and breaching bail conditions at Perth Sheriff Court. Sentencing is pending background reports. Classroom Assault Leaves Dundee Teacher Unconscious
A disturbing incident unfolded at a Dundee school where a pupil, Keiran Matthew, violently attacked a teacher, rendering her unconscious and bloodied. After the assault, Matthew reportedly displayed a callous disregard for the teacher’s well-being, further adding to the severity of the incident. The incident raises concerns about student behavior and classroom safety in local schools. Intoxicated Taxi Driver Enters Wrong Forfar Home
A Forfar taxi driver, Rahim Bahar, 50, has been relieved of his duties after a series of alcohol-related incidents on April 3, 2025. Bahar, who admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, was observed driving erratically and even entered a stranger’s residence before driving away. The homeowner’s presence briefly startled him before he exited, made a noise, and returned to his own car. His blood-alcohol level was significantly above the legal limit. Bahar, originally from Bangladesh and expecting a new child, claims he rarely drinks and was influenced by a friend. He was fined £380 and received a one-year driving ban. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with drunk driving, particularly within residential areas like Glenogil Terrace and Lentlands Road. Dundee Man’s Cheque Scam Spans Tayside and Fife
Ryan Lawson, a Dundee resident, has been sentenced for a protracted cheque fraud scheme targeting vehicle sellers online. The scam, which spanned over six years and impacted sellers across Tayside and Fife, involved Lawson using fraudulent cheques to purchase vehicles, leaving the unsuspecting sellers with substantial financial losses. Lawson’s complex and long-running scam highlights the increasing need for caution in online transactions, especially those involving high-value items. Drug-Impaired Driver Crashes While Transporting Vehicle
Mark Hamilton, 31, from Motherwell, was found to be six times over the drug-driving limit when he crashed a Range Rover Discovery he was transporting from Aberdeen to Strathclyde. The incident occurred near Bogindollo in Angus, where Hamilton’s vehicle overturned. Though the crash wasn’t directly caused by his driving, his impairment raised serious safety concerns. Hamilton claimed he believed the cocaine he had consumed days earlier was no longer in his system. He was fined £420 and disqualified from driving for 16 months. This incident emphasizes the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and the persistence of drugs in the body.
These recent incidents across Perthshire underscore the diverse challenges facing our community, demanding heightened vigilance from residents and continued efforts to improve safety and security for all.