Man went into a rage after Arbroath petrol station assistant refused to sell him cigarettes

A man who abused an Arbroath petrol station attendant over her refusal to sell him cigarettes has been sentenced to 50 hours of unpaid work.

James McDonald caused a breach of the peace after his 19-year-old son was refused cigarettes by a member of staff at the Golden Lion filling station last year.

McDonald, 42, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted shouting, swearing and aggravating a breach of the peace with prejudiced language relating to disability in Montrose Road on July 16.

Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable said McDonald became incensed after he was also refused service because the attendant saw him getting out of the same car as his son.

Solicitor Lynne Sturrock said the father-of-seven, of Lorne Court, Glenrothes, felt his family had been refused service in the shop because they are members of the Travelling community.