A recent distressing episode at a well-known Scotmid store in the quiet Perthshire community of Rattray has culminated in a local individual receiving a substantial court sentence. The unfolding events, described by the judiciary as ‘outrageous,’ involved a shirtless man whose aggressive and destructive actions caused considerable alarm among staff and severe disruption within the premises. Such incidents, while fortunately uncommon, can deeply unsettle the sense of security and well-being within smaller, tightly-knit communities like Rattray, where neighbourhood shops are often central to daily life.
The incident occurred on the evening of March 30, when Jonathan Kermath, 30, a local groundskeeper, entered the Hatton Road branch of Scotmid. Witnesses noted his visibly intoxicated state; he was not wearing a shirt and was carrying two bottles of beer. Initially, Mr. Kermath joined the line with other customers, but his impatience quickly escalated into loud verbal demands. He began to pressure one checkout operator to hurry, before specifically targeting another employee, insisting that they serve him immediately and accusing them of not fulfilling their duties.
In an effort to swiftly resolve the escalating tension and encourage Mr. Kermath’s departure, a second employee promptly opened another checkout counter. However, his frustration intensified when his payment card was repeatedly declined. His already aggressive verbal behaviour soon escalated into explicit threats, as he vowed to ‘smash up’ the entire establishment. This was quickly followed by a direct and terrifying threat aimed at the first employee, in which he declared: ‘I will find out where you live and I will sort you out. I will f***ing murder you.’ Despite attempts to pacify him, Kermath then violently slapped the employee ‘with force’ across the left cheek.
Following this physical assault, Mr. Kermath continued his destructive rampage by repeatedly punching various display items throughout the store. The situation deteriorated further when he forcibly detached a self-service till from its counter, causing what was later confirmed to be ‘extensive damage’ to the equipment. The prompt notification of the police appeared only to inflame his rage. He then climbed onto the sales counter, moving menacingly towards the employee he had previously assaulted. In a desperate bid for safety, the terrified worker was compelled to abandon the shop and seek refuge in a waiting customer’s car to escape the immediate threat.
Law enforcement officers arrived quickly and apprehended Mr. Kermath. He later appeared before Perth Sheriff Court, where he admitted to charges of vandalism, assault, and threatening behaviour related to the incident on March 30. His defence attorney acknowledged the serious nature of his client’s actions, explaining that his excessive drinking was a consequence of accumulated stress at home. It was also revealed that Mr. Kermath’s partner had, until recently, worked at the same Scotmid store, a detail that reportedly added to his sense of shame, especially given his familiarity with the victims.
Sheriff Peter Anderson, presiding over the case at Perth Sheriff Court, delivered a stern condemnation of Mr. Kermath’s actions. He unequivocally labelled the entire episode as ‘outrageous conduct’ and ‘appalling behaviour,’ highlighting the gravity of the threats and violence inflicted upon the diligent retail staff. The Sheriff specifically addressed Mr. Kermath’s relationship with alcohol, describing it as ‘dangerous’ and strongly advising him to adopt abstinence. He emphasized that choosing not to drink would signify personal strength, allowing him to lead a more constructive life.
The court’s decision included a comprehensive set of penalties reflecting the seriousness of the offences and aiming to provide a measure of justice and restitution. Mr. Kermath was placed under supervision for a year, with conditions designed to aid his rehabilitation and prevent future incidents. He was also ordered to undertake 60 hours of unpaid community work and to pay a fine of £200. Crucially, as a direct consequence of his actions, he was mandated to pay £150 in compensation to the shop worker he assaulted and traumatized. Furthermore, a two-year ban was imposed, prohibiting him from entering the Hatton Road Scotmid shop. This measure is intended to ensure the safety of the staff and restore peace of mind for the local community, reaffirming the importance of respect and security in public spaces and essential services across Perth and Kinross.
The incident occurred on the evening of March 30, when Jonathan Kermath, 30, a local groundskeeper, entered the Hatton Road branch of Scotmid. Witnesses noted his visibly intoxicated state; he was not wearing a shirt and was carrying two bottles of beer. Initially, Mr. Kermath joined the line with other customers, but his impatience quickly escalated into loud verbal demands. He began to pressure one checkout operator to hurry, before specifically targeting another employee, insisting that they serve him immediately and accusing them of not fulfilling their duties.
In an effort to swiftly resolve the escalating tension and encourage Mr. Kermath’s departure, a second employee promptly opened another checkout counter. However, his frustration intensified when his payment card was repeatedly declined. His already aggressive verbal behaviour soon escalated into explicit threats, as he vowed to ‘smash up’ the entire establishment. This was quickly followed by a direct and terrifying threat aimed at the first employee, in which he declared: ‘I will find out where you live and I will sort you out. I will f***ing murder you.’ Despite attempts to pacify him, Kermath then violently slapped the employee ‘with force’ across the left cheek.
Following this physical assault, Mr. Kermath continued his destructive rampage by repeatedly punching various display items throughout the store. The situation deteriorated further when he forcibly detached a self-service till from its counter, causing what was later confirmed to be ‘extensive damage’ to the equipment. The prompt notification of the police appeared only to inflame his rage. He then climbed onto the sales counter, moving menacingly towards the employee he had previously assaulted. In a desperate bid for safety, the terrified worker was compelled to abandon the shop and seek refuge in a waiting customer’s car to escape the immediate threat.
Law enforcement officers arrived quickly and apprehended Mr. Kermath. He later appeared before Perth Sheriff Court, where he admitted to charges of vandalism, assault, and threatening behaviour related to the incident on March 30. His defence attorney acknowledged the serious nature of his client’s actions, explaining that his excessive drinking was a consequence of accumulated stress at home. It was also revealed that Mr. Kermath’s partner had, until recently, worked at the same Scotmid store, a detail that reportedly added to his sense of shame, especially given his familiarity with the victims.
Sheriff Peter Anderson, presiding over the case at Perth Sheriff Court, delivered a stern condemnation of Mr. Kermath’s actions. He unequivocally labelled the entire episode as ‘outrageous conduct’ and ‘appalling behaviour,’ highlighting the gravity of the threats and violence inflicted upon the diligent retail staff. The Sheriff specifically addressed Mr. Kermath’s relationship with alcohol, describing it as ‘dangerous’ and strongly advising him to adopt abstinence. He emphasized that choosing not to drink would signify personal strength, allowing him to lead a more constructive life.
The court’s decision included a comprehensive set of penalties reflecting the seriousness of the offences and aiming to provide a measure of justice and restitution. Mr. Kermath was placed under supervision for a year, with conditions designed to aid his rehabilitation and prevent future incidents. He was also ordered to undertake 60 hours of unpaid community work and to pay a fine of £200. Crucially, as a direct consequence of his actions, he was mandated to pay £150 in compensation to the shop worker he assaulted and traumatized. Furthermore, a two-year ban was imposed, prohibiting him from entering the Hatton Road Scotmid shop. This measure is intended to ensure the safety of the staff and restore peace of mind for the local community, reaffirming the importance of respect and security in public spaces and essential services across Perth and Kinross.