A serial domestic offender has been given a sheriff’s warning he is “on the verge of going to jail”.
Arbroath man Graham Wood appeared for sentence before Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar after a bust-up with police at his house following a drinking session earlier this year.
Wood, of Glenesk Place, admitted breaching the peace and resisting arrest in an incident which the court heard happened around 10.15pm when police were called to the house in relation to a complaint against the accused.
The 36-year-old was described as being in an “agitated state” and refused to calm down for officers, preventing them from putting handcuffs on him.
Solicitor Keith Sym told the court: “This is a situation where a number of people were in the house and all had been drinking.
“Two other people were given fixed penalties in relation to the matter and as the householder he was asked to calm things down, but he took the opposite tack.
“It is recognised that alcohol is a significant problem and is almost at the root of every offence he has committed.”
Mr Sym added: “He has abstained from alcohol for the past seven weeks.
“The concern from the court’s point of view is his next victim; the potential for further difficulties is building up.
“There are perceived issues with alcohol and anger management,” added the solicitor.
“At some point the wheels are going to come off the wagon and he is going to start drinking again.”
Sheriff Murray told Wood, who also previously admitted another charge of behaving in a threatening manner towards a woman at his home address by shouting and striking objects there: “You are on the verge of going to jail.
“The earlier of these matters is your sixth conviction with a domestic element.
“The social inquiry report indicates you are in a new relationship which has every potential of going the same way as your previous relationships,” the sheriff added.
“You can also go and seek assistance yourself to stay dry.”
“I will defer sentence for you to be of good behaviour but if you appear again, if there is anything else, you will be going to jail.”
Wood will return to court on July 2.