Moray Courts – Buckie defendant became aggressive after being arrested for breaking curfew
A Buckie man has been sentenced for going to the pub rather than staying at home under a court-imposed curfew.
Sean McDowell was granted bail on December 5 at Elgin Sheriff Court on the understanding that he remained indoors during the evenings. However, when the police called at his Baron Street home at 7.30pm on January 26 they found he wasn’t there.
The officers rang the 34-year-old’s mobile and were told by him that he was just a short walk away in a bar.
McDowell was subsequently cautioned and charged.
The court was told that he was initially cooperative but his mood changed as he was being brought into custody.
Fiscal depute Karen Poke said: “He became difficult, irate and aggressive. He adopted a fighting stance and told one of the officers, ‘I will break your jaw’.”
Defence solicitor Matthew O’Neill stated that his client had become upset because he believed his bail conditions allowed him to remain outdoors until 8pm on Sunday evenings.
The lawyer added: “He apologies for his behaviour.”
McDowell was given nine months to pay a £210 fine. In addition, Sheriff Philip Mann ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work for the community.
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