Harmonica-playing Dundee busker “Fast Eddie” rowed with a fellow musician, terrified a young child and caused an unsavoury disturbance in Greggs.
Edward Lafferty is now under social work supervision after being involved in multiple incidents in the city centre between April 2024 and February this year.
The 64-year-old – nicknamed “Fast Eddie” – is subject to an anti-social behaviour order preventing him from shouting at or threatening members of the public until 2028.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard how on April 12 last year, Lafferty caused a frightened eight-year-old girl to run into the Overgate.
He aggressively shouted towards her: “I am the master.”
The child’s mother then called the police who found the child to still be “visibly upset”.
Lafferty was traced nearby and was clearly under the influence of alcohol.
Two months later, Lafferty became embroiled in a dispute with fellow busker Spencer Shek, who was performing in Lafferty’s usual spot adjacent to Boots.
Fiscal depute Lissie Cook said: “They play in the same location and this has caused friction between the parties.
“At around 2pm on June 6 2024, the witness was playing and was approached by the accused.
“He began loudly shouting the lyrics that Mr Shek was singing, seemingly to annoy him.
“He asked the accused to stop but the accused approached Mr Shek and began shouting ‘I am no bothering you’ in an aggressive manner’.”
Officers again arrested Lafferty, who angrily punched a nearby Evening Telegraph newsstand after the incident.
Greggs on High Street would be the scene of another disturbance involving Lafferty, of Fleming Gardens South.
He spoke to staff on February 14 this year about money being left behind the till, before leaving and later returning for a cup of tea.
Ms Cook said: “He was standing at the condiment aisle putting sugar in his tea and laughing extremely loudly at what appeared to be nothing.
“He was approached by a staff member who asked him to quieten down.”
Lafferty repeatedly shouted: “F*** Greggs,” before returning and being refused another cup of tea.
He shouted: “You stole my money,” multiple times and continued shouting “f*** Greggs”.
Lafferty previously pled guilty to the three separate charges and was made subject to a structured deferred sentence.
Solicitor advocate Jane Caird said: “He has attended for every appointment. There are concerns over his capacity.
“He has an appointment in July for a psychiatrist.”
Sheriff John Rafferty made Lafferty subject to supervision for six months and imposed a fine and compensation order totalling £130.
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