A Callander man who had been part of a mob protesting over a neighbour convicted of downloading indecent images of children was this week fined a total of £700.
A sheriff told Alexander Wilson, of Menteith Crescent, that the courts were the place to deal with offenders, not taking to the streets.
The 65-year-old accused had admitted charges of threatening and abusive behaviour as well as a charge of damaging property belonging to another by throwing a brick at a car.
The offence took place the day before 35-year-old complainer Darren Kennedy was to be sentenced for downloading images of children being sexually abused.
Fiscal depute Karen Chambers told Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday that Kennedy had been in his bedroom at 2pm on February 15 this year when he heard shouting and noises from outside his home.
He recognised the voice of his neighbour shouting and swearing there and contacted the police. When officers attended they saw that the windscreen of a vehicle parked there had been smashed and a brick was lying nearby.
Wilson, who was under the influence of alcohol, admitted smashing the windscreen while he was being arrested by officers. He repeated the admission when cautioned and charged.
Ms Chambers said she did not have a figure for the cost of the damage.
Wilson’s defence agent told Sheriff Derek Hamilton on Wednesday that Kennedy had pleaded guilty to the offence at Falkirk Sheriff Court and the case was subsequently transferred to Stirling for sentence.
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Kennedy had been placed on the sex offenders’ register and given two years’ jail on Wednesday, February 16.
Wilson lived next door to Kennedy. There had been a problem in the area with demonstrations outside Kennedy’s home, added the lawyer.
His client had not initially been involved in these demonstrations, but having something to drink he foolishly got involved along with others.
Aged 65, Wilson “should know much better” he added.
Wilson was in receipt of a number of benefits and was in the position to pay a fine at £100 per month.
Sheriff Derek Hamilton told Wilson: “The court will not tolerate vigilante-style behaviour. The court is the place to deal with offenders, not the streets.”
A mob, along with the accused, before and after an appearance in court, are “completely unacceptable in this society” and had Wilson had a more serious criminal record he would have considered a custodial sentence.
Sheriff Hamilton added: “This behaviour will not be tolerated and will be stamped upon.”
He fined Wilson £660 with a surcharge of £40 - payable at a rate of £100 per month.
The sum had been reduced from £1000 due to Wilson’s guilty plea.
