A Chapelhall man stumbled into the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court and interrupted proceedings while being dealt with for placing his ex in a state of fear and alarm.
Sheriff Frank Pieri had to warn Davis Sloan about his conduct as he shouted during the procurator fiscal’s narration of events that took place on April 11.
The 42-year-old, who looked worse-for-wear in the courtroom, avoided handcuffs and was given unpaid work.
The procurator fiscal said: “The complainer and the accused had been in a relationship for 17 years, but they have now been separated for about five years.
“On the day in question, at around 3pm, the complainer was at home when she got a phone call from her sister.”
At this point, Sloan, of Crogal Crescent, loudly blurted out, “that’s a lie!”, leading to a furious Sheriff Pieri advising defence lawyer Roberto Manini to have “a word” with his client before telling Sloan: “If you interrupt the procurator fiscal again then you’ll be led straight downstairs.”
The fiscal continued: “The phone call advised that the accused was on his way to the complainer’s house.
“She looked outside and saw him standing there swearing and shouting abuse about her family. This caused her fear and alarm immediately and she went upstairs.
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“She could still hear him shouting outside so called the police.
“The accused had walked away by the time the police arrived, but they found the complainer to be in a very distressed state.
“They went to the accused’s home where he was arrested, cautioned and charged.”
The fiscal continued: “The complainer would welcome a non-harassment order to protect her, meaning the accused can’t enter their street for as long as Your Lordship feels necessary.”
Referring to his client, Mr Manini said: “He has underlying issues that are still being dealt with.
“I have no difficulties with the pursuing of a non-harassment order.”
Passing sentence, Sheriff Pieri said: “I will make a non-harassment order for one year. You must not approach or contact, or attempt to approach or contact, the complainer.
“I’ll also place you under supervision for 18 months and order you to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.
“If you breach this [order], I’ll see you back here.”
