A loud-mouthed lout wearing a “Weekend Offender” hoodie has been blasted by a sheriff for his contempt of court.
Derek Campbell, a prisoner, delivered a foul tirade towards Sheriff Gregor Murray on the bench at Arbroath after lashing out at the suggestion he should cooperate with the compilation of social work reports.
Following a volley of responses littered with swearing, Campbell was given the lunchtime adjournment to cool off, before making a U-turn over his resistance to participating in an interview with social workers.
Campbell was appearing from custody, having earlier admitted an indictment containing a charge of repeatedly stabbing a stranger in an unprovoked attack at a house on Market Street, Montrose, in January.
The accused had been drinking at the home of a friend’s sister and the victim was also at the party.
Campbell demanded more drink and, when he was told he would not be getting any more, turned on his victim with a large kitchen knife.
The man suffered a number of “forceful blows” and had slash marks from his mid-thigh to mid-calf area.
Sentence had been deferred on Campbell for the preparation of a psychological report but the sheriff was told on Tuesday that was not available.
Following the adjournment, defence agent Nick Whelan told Sheriff Murray his client had indicated he intended to stick to his earlier stated position of refusing to comply with the preparation of reports before Campbell swiftly indicated from the dock that he would meet social workers.
“He has had some time to think about it and will now cooperate,” Mr Whelan said.
Continuing the case until June 12 and remanding Campbell in custody,Sheriff Murray told the accused: “I find you in contempt of court for the behaviour, which was reprehensible and shows no intention to comply with the court orders, or respect for the court’s procedures.”
He said sentence on that matter would be deferred until next month.