A Perth man who repeatedly telephoned his ex-partner and left a series of voicemails, some threatening, was jailed for four months at the Sheriff Court this week.
The jail term imposed on 48-year-old James Hartness, of Tulloch Terrace, was backdated to August 28, when he had been remanded in custody for background reports.
He admitted that on August 24, at his home, he repeatedly contacted Catherine McCourt leaving the messages.
In them, he swore at her and also made threats and derogatory comments towards her.
He was subject to a March 18, 2019, bail order from the Perth court at the time.
Solicitor David Holmes told the court that alcohol had “played a significant part” in his client’s offending.
But he had used his time on remand well, taking part in a detoxification course.
“If he hadn’t taken alcohol, he wouldn’t have responded in the way he did.”
The lawyer urged the sheriff to impose a Restriction of Liberty Order instead of a jail term.
But Sheriff Gillian Wade described the accused’s record as “very extensive” and included previous convictions for offending while on bail.
Other offences had also been “aggravated” by taking place in a domestic setting.
“I am not persuaded a Restriction of Liberty Order would be appropriate.”
