This week’s court proceedings across Tayside and Fife have seen significant decisions handed down, addressing serious incidents that underscore ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and uphold justice in our regional communities, including those bordering Perth and Kinross. From violent assaults to drug offenses within correctional facilities, the judiciary has been actively engaged in tackling a spectrum of criminal behaviour that affects the wider area. Dundee Taxi Driver Attackers to Stand Trial
Two teenagers, Kaydon McColl and Malachi Dixon, both aged 19, are poised to face trial following accusations of a brutal robbery and assault on a female taxi driver in Dundee. The disturbing incident, which occurred on Forfar Road on November 3, allegedly involved threats of a knife, forceful restraint around the victim’s neck, and demands for money. Prosecutors contend that the woman was compelled to leap from her vehicle onto the roadway in a desperate attempt to escape, after which she was reportedly subjected to repeated kicks to her head and body, resulting in severe injuries. The duo is accused of making off with her wallet and a money pouch. This unsettling event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by service personnel in our neighbouring cities, prompting concerns for all who travel in the wider region.
In a separate but equally serious allegation on the same day, McColl and Dixon are also implicated in the robbery and assault of a delivery driver outside a fast-food establishment on Reform Street, Dundee. It is alleged they threw food at him, punched him until he fell, and then proceeded to verbally abuse him, spit on him, and hurl a glass bottle before stealing his delivery bag. This particular charge includes an aggravation of racial prejudice, adding another layer of severity to the accusations. Both individuals have been remanded in custody, with Sheriff Paul Brown committing them for trial following their second petition appearance, indicating the seriousness with which these cases are being handled by the legal system. Perth Man Jailed for ‘Unrecognisable’ Attack
A Perth resident, Chad Netherington, has been sentenced to two years in prison for a vicious assault on a family friend within the city. The court heard how Netherington subjected his victim to a brutal attack, including kicks and stamps to the head, leaving him in a state where he was “unrecognisable”. The gravity of the assault was highlighted by the court’s finding that it was carried out “to the danger of his life,” a term used to denote an assault with life-threatening potential. The long-term consequences for the victim are severe, suffering from a persistent ringing in his ears and now living in constant fear, hesitant to leave the safety of his own home. This case has sent ripples through the Perth community, emphasizing the critical importance of personal safety and the lasting trauma inflicted by such violent acts on individuals and their families. Drugs Intercepted at HMP Castle Huntly
Security at HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison located just outside Perth, successfully intercepted a significant quantity of illicit substances being smuggled into the facility. Colin Williamson, a convicted killer, was apprehended attempting to bring 96 tablets of Flubromazolam, a potent street valium, back into the prison following a period of home leave on October 10 last year. Prison staff flagged concerns about his demeanor upon his return, leading to a search of his bag and the discovery of the Class C drugs. While these tablets might command a street value of approximately £40, their worth within a prison setting could escalate to five times that amount, highlighting the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in correctional facilities, even those designed for rehabilitation like Castle Huntly, which serves our local community.
Williamson, who is nearing the conclusion of a five-year sentence for a previous conviction involving a cache of stun guns in 2022 and had a prior culpable homicide conviction from 1992, claimed he had taken the tablets for self-medication during his leave and simply forgot they were in his bag upon his return. Perth Sheriff William Wood acknowledged the seriousness of introducing drugs into a prison environment but, considering Williamson’s impending release date in March 2026, imposed a 19-week sentence that will run immediately, ultimately not extending his overall time behind bars but underscoring the severity of the offence. Fife Dog Walker Branded a Racist
In a case from Fife, David Cuddy, a dog walker, was handed a tagging order after a sheriff unequivocally labelled him “a racist” for his venomous outburst in Townhill Country Park. Cuddy launched into a tirade, calling a stranger a “boat person” and ordering him to “go back to your f**king country.” The incident stemmed from Cuddy’s assertion that the victim had made a “swiping hand gesture” at one of his dogs, allegedly striking its head. Sheriff Wood’s strong rebuke in court serves as a firm statement against racially motivated abuse, reinforcing the legal system’s intolerance for such prejudice in public spaces across the region, including our own parks and green spaces in Perth and Kinross. Dundee Knifeman Avoids Jail Time
Stewart Burne-Jones narrowly evaded a custodial sentence despite brandishing two knives and lunging at a police officer during a chaotic street incident in Dundee. The 39-year-old had returned home intoxicated in the early hours of October 20 following an argument with his elderly parents, during which he threatened to “stab some c***” before arming himself and leaving the house. Confronted by police on Strathmartine Road, Burne-Jones initially complied with requests to show his hands but then pulled a “large knife” from his jacket, throwing it at an officer’s leg. He subsequently produced another kitchen knife from his waistband, swinging it towards other officers before being subdued with a Taser and PAVA spray. This alarming confrontation in a neighbouring city highlights the dangers faced by our emergency services.
Despite the severity and dangerous nature of his actions, Burne-Jones was prosecuted at a lower legal level, which limited the sentencing options available to Sheriff Paul Brown. Acknowledging that Burne-Jones was “very fortunate” not to face a jury trial, which would have carried a significantly harsher penalty, the Sheriff instead imposed a community payback order. Burne-Jones was mandated to complete 300 hours of unpaid work – the maximum permissible on a summary complaint – alongside three years of supervision, alcohol counselling, and engagement with mental health services. His lawyer, Larry Flynn, noted a pattern of inexplicable behaviour when his client indulged in alcohol, suggesting underlying issues contributing to his repeated brushes with the law. Ketamine Haul for Fife Businesswoman
A Fife businesswoman, Amy McPhie of Cowdenbeath, was caught in November last year with approximately £5,000 worth of ketamine stashed in her handbag while driving under the influence of cannabis. McPhie, who reportedly had accumulated debts from her cleaning business, was stopped by police, leading to the discovery of the substantial drug haul and a quantity of cash. This incident highlights the diverse range of challenges faced by individuals struggling with financial pressures, sometimes leading to engagement in illicit activities, even in seemingly ordinary situations within our communities across Fife and extending to Perth and Kinross. Dragon Soop Driver Banned
Paul Kroegler from Leslie, has been handed a four-month tagging order and a three-year driving ban following a drink-driving incident in Dunfermline. Kroegler, who admitted to consuming a “can of Dragon Soop” an hour before, crashed into two vehicles at the junction of Kingseat Road and Whitefield Road on May 13. He failed to stop in time for a stationary car ahead, swerving into the opposing carriageway and colliding with both its rear and another vehicle. This marks Kroegler’s second such offence, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour.
Prosecutor Amy Robertson had detailed the collision, where Kroegler’s inability to react to the stationary vehicle ahead led to a chain of events that damaged multiple cars and left a gouge mark on the road. His defence lawyer, Mairi Pirie, informed Dunfermline Sheriff Court that Kroegler was grappling with the recent death of his stepmother, which contributed to his decision to drive after consuming alcohol. This tragic circumstance underscores the complex personal struggles that can lead to reckless decisions on our roads, affecting not just the individual but innocent members of our regional community.
Two teenagers, Kaydon McColl and Malachi Dixon, both aged 19, are poised to face trial following accusations of a brutal robbery and assault on a female taxi driver in Dundee. The disturbing incident, which occurred on Forfar Road on November 3, allegedly involved threats of a knife, forceful restraint around the victim’s neck, and demands for money. Prosecutors contend that the woman was compelled to leap from her vehicle onto the roadway in a desperate attempt to escape, after which she was reportedly subjected to repeated kicks to her head and body, resulting in severe injuries. The duo is accused of making off with her wallet and a money pouch. This unsettling event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by service personnel in our neighbouring cities, prompting concerns for all who travel in the wider region.
In a separate but equally serious allegation on the same day, McColl and Dixon are also implicated in the robbery and assault of a delivery driver outside a fast-food establishment on Reform Street, Dundee. It is alleged they threw food at him, punched him until he fell, and then proceeded to verbally abuse him, spit on him, and hurl a glass bottle before stealing his delivery bag. This particular charge includes an aggravation of racial prejudice, adding another layer of severity to the accusations. Both individuals have been remanded in custody, with Sheriff Paul Brown committing them for trial following their second petition appearance, indicating the seriousness with which these cases are being handled by the legal system. Perth Man Jailed for ‘Unrecognisable’ Attack
A Perth resident, Chad Netherington, has been sentenced to two years in prison for a vicious assault on a family friend within the city. The court heard how Netherington subjected his victim to a brutal attack, including kicks and stamps to the head, leaving him in a state where he was “unrecognisable”. The gravity of the assault was highlighted by the court’s finding that it was carried out “to the danger of his life,” a term used to denote an assault with life-threatening potential. The long-term consequences for the victim are severe, suffering from a persistent ringing in his ears and now living in constant fear, hesitant to leave the safety of his own home. This case has sent ripples through the Perth community, emphasizing the critical importance of personal safety and the lasting trauma inflicted by such violent acts on individuals and their families. Drugs Intercepted at HMP Castle Huntly
Security at HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison located just outside Perth, successfully intercepted a significant quantity of illicit substances being smuggled into the facility. Colin Williamson, a convicted killer, was apprehended attempting to bring 96 tablets of Flubromazolam, a potent street valium, back into the prison following a period of home leave on October 10 last year. Prison staff flagged concerns about his demeanor upon his return, leading to a search of his bag and the discovery of the Class C drugs. While these tablets might command a street value of approximately £40, their worth within a prison setting could escalate to five times that amount, highlighting the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in correctional facilities, even those designed for rehabilitation like Castle Huntly, which serves our local community.
Williamson, who is nearing the conclusion of a five-year sentence for a previous conviction involving a cache of stun guns in 2022 and had a prior culpable homicide conviction from 1992, claimed he had taken the tablets for self-medication during his leave and simply forgot they were in his bag upon his return. Perth Sheriff William Wood acknowledged the seriousness of introducing drugs into a prison environment but, considering Williamson’s impending release date in March 2026, imposed a 19-week sentence that will run immediately, ultimately not extending his overall time behind bars but underscoring the severity of the offence. Fife Dog Walker Branded a Racist
In a case from Fife, David Cuddy, a dog walker, was handed a tagging order after a sheriff unequivocally labelled him “a racist” for his venomous outburst in Townhill Country Park. Cuddy launched into a tirade, calling a stranger a “boat person” and ordering him to “go back to your f**king country.” The incident stemmed from Cuddy’s assertion that the victim had made a “swiping hand gesture” at one of his dogs, allegedly striking its head. Sheriff Wood’s strong rebuke in court serves as a firm statement against racially motivated abuse, reinforcing the legal system’s intolerance for such prejudice in public spaces across the region, including our own parks and green spaces in Perth and Kinross. Dundee Knifeman Avoids Jail Time
Stewart Burne-Jones narrowly evaded a custodial sentence despite brandishing two knives and lunging at a police officer during a chaotic street incident in Dundee. The 39-year-old had returned home intoxicated in the early hours of October 20 following an argument with his elderly parents, during which he threatened to “stab some c***” before arming himself and leaving the house. Confronted by police on Strathmartine Road, Burne-Jones initially complied with requests to show his hands but then pulled a “large knife” from his jacket, throwing it at an officer’s leg. He subsequently produced another kitchen knife from his waistband, swinging it towards other officers before being subdued with a Taser and PAVA spray. This alarming confrontation in a neighbouring city highlights the dangers faced by our emergency services.
Despite the severity and dangerous nature of his actions, Burne-Jones was prosecuted at a lower legal level, which limited the sentencing options available to Sheriff Paul Brown. Acknowledging that Burne-Jones was “very fortunate” not to face a jury trial, which would have carried a significantly harsher penalty, the Sheriff instead imposed a community payback order. Burne-Jones was mandated to complete 300 hours of unpaid work – the maximum permissible on a summary complaint – alongside three years of supervision, alcohol counselling, and engagement with mental health services. His lawyer, Larry Flynn, noted a pattern of inexplicable behaviour when his client indulged in alcohol, suggesting underlying issues contributing to his repeated brushes with the law. Ketamine Haul for Fife Businesswoman
A Fife businesswoman, Amy McPhie of Cowdenbeath, was caught in November last year with approximately £5,000 worth of ketamine stashed in her handbag while driving under the influence of cannabis. McPhie, who reportedly had accumulated debts from her cleaning business, was stopped by police, leading to the discovery of the substantial drug haul and a quantity of cash. This incident highlights the diverse range of challenges faced by individuals struggling with financial pressures, sometimes leading to engagement in illicit activities, even in seemingly ordinary situations within our communities across Fife and extending to Perth and Kinross. Dragon Soop Driver Banned
Paul Kroegler from Leslie, has been handed a four-month tagging order and a three-year driving ban following a drink-driving incident in Dunfermline. Kroegler, who admitted to consuming a “can of Dragon Soop” an hour before, crashed into two vehicles at the junction of Kingseat Road and Whitefield Road on May 13. He failed to stop in time for a stationary car ahead, swerving into the opposing carriageway and colliding with both its rear and another vehicle. This marks Kroegler’s second such offence, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour.
Prosecutor Amy Robertson had detailed the collision, where Kroegler’s inability to react to the stationary vehicle ahead led to a chain of events that damaged multiple cars and left a gouge mark on the road. His defence lawyer, Mairi Pirie, informed Dunfermline Sheriff Court that Kroegler was grappling with the recent death of his stepmother, which contributed to his decision to drive after consuming alcohol. This tragic circumstance underscores the complex personal struggles that can lead to reckless decisions on our roads, affecting not just the individual but innocent members of our regional community.