Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Mike McQuaid

Edinburgh property consultant escapes prosecution after 'threatening church neighbours'

An Edinburgh property ­consultant has escaped prosecution after claims he threatened workers at a church building.

Police removed a shotgun from Matthew Munro’s home after a complaint about his behaviour. The former soldier was reported to the procurator fiscal but it has now emerged he won’t face court and has instead accepted an ­alternative to prosecution, reports the Sunday Mail.

Munro, 67, is a residential property consultant with estate agents Simpson and Marwick in Edinburgh. He allegedly confronted Church of Scotland workers at a church building – the Session House – that adjoins Munro’s home in Fala ­Midlothian. A source said: “The work had been talked through beforehand with Munro’s wife.

READ MORE - Edinburgh migrants sleeping in cars after being thrown out of 'homeless hotel'

“But Munro came out to complain about the noise from a chainsaw as he was working from home and needed quiet for a meeting. Later he told the workers to stop as they’d entered his garden without permission.

“He claimed a wall didn’t require pointing and ivy didn’t need to be removed.” Witnesses alleged Munro warned he’d get his shotgun from the loft if someone entered his property again.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “After full and careful consideration of all facts and circumstances, the case was dealt with by way of an offer of an alternative to ­prosecution.”

A spokesman was ­unable to state what punishment Munro had been offered but its “direct measures” include a fine of up to £500 and a maximum of 50 hours of unpaid community work. The Church of Scotland said it was aware of an ­incident that had resulted in the police being informed.

READ NEXT:

Edinburgh locals fight to block redevelopment of notorious roundabout on bypass

Popular Edinburgh cafe to have late-hours knocked back despite huge support

Edinburgh fire crews race to city centre blaze as hotel evacuated

Adorable Edinburgh Chihuahua desperate for new owner that can give belly rubs

Pregnant mum comes under fire after row with mother in law for cutting daughter's hair

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.