A Forfar man introduced a wrench to a long-running neighbour dispute after a summer argument spilled out into the street.
Barry McKean grabbed the tool from the boot of his car during the latest in a series of fall-outs with an OAP neighbour and his son who had been cutting their hedge on the town’s Prior Road – a year after a window-smashing offence..
McKean appeared for sentence at Forfar sheriff court having previously admitted breaking the window in June last year, and then possessing an offensive weapon on the afternoon of June 18 this year.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said the wrench incident emerged from a row which broke out around 4pm when the 71-year-old complainer was cutting his hedge, with help from his 44-year-old son.
“The accused was seen to make a gesture with his finger and say something, the nature of which was not heard,” said the fiscal.
McKean went to his car, and the man’s son then also then went to the front door of the vehicle but was pulled away.
Ms Drummond added: “The accused then drove his vehicle a matter of yards before stopping and getting out.
“Words were exchanged and the accused walked to the boot of his car and removed a wrench which he continued to hold. He then walked a couple of steps towards the witnesses.
“The son took several mobile phone photographs of the accused with the item before he drove off,” added the fiscal.
Defence solicitor Brian Bell said: “While his previous convictions span a number of years, they are not particularly extensive.
“What is clear is that Mr McKean requires to grow up in terms of his behaviour. The complainers are neighbours and there have been long-standing difficulties.”
Sheriff John Rafferty told 36-year-old McKean: “You are extremely close to receiving a significant custodial sentence in respect of the matter involving the wrench and I am going to give you the opportunity to avoid that.”
He imposed a two-month deferred sentence on the vandalism charge and left the offensive weapon matter to be dealt with at the end of that period.
“If there has not been compliance then the sentencing option of jail will very much be alive,” said the sheriff.
