A firefighter who sent homophobic and threatening text messages to his girlfriend’s personal trainer was fined £450.
Sheriff Gregor Murray, at Forfar, told Steven Walker his conduct in July last year was a “graphic illustration” of the difficulties which can arise if people do not take prescribed medication, after the court earlier heard of the accused’s mental health and alcohol consumption problems.
Walker, 44, of Demondale Road, Arbroath, sent a text stating: ‘I just want you to know what you’ve done to me. You flirted with my girl of four years, you got in her head, she thought you were all that.’
He then messaged: ‘You destroyed what I had, you’ll pay in this life or the next.’
The court heard the victim found the threats “ridiculous and offensive”, having been in a steady relationship with his male partner.
Solicitor Lynne Sturrock told the court Walker had been suspended from his job pending the outcome of the case.
Fining the accused, Sheriff Gregor Murray told Walker: “This was an unbelievably stupid act but I understand how it came about. It is a graphic illustration of what happens when people don’t take their medication. I am prepared to accept it won’t happen again.”