Hamilton yob threatened neighbour with his sisters

Feb 4 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON yob caused a disturbance in his block of flats when he threatened to get his sisters to assault his neighbour.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, Robert Thomson (40), of Kelvin Gardens, admitted committing a breach of the peace at another house there on Hogmanay while under the influence of alcohol.

When asked by Sheriff John Miller to confirm his guilty plea to shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence, Thomson said he couldn’t remember threatening Fiona Graham but would plead guilty anyway.

Fiscal depute Liza Lann told the court that the accused moved into the block of flats 18 months ago and befriended Ms Graham, who lived in a flat below him.

On the night in question, explained Ms Lann, an alcohol-fuelled argument started between Thomson and Ms Graham.

Ms Lann said the reason for the argument was unclear but added: “The accused shouted at the complainer ‘don’t f***ing point at me’.

“When it was suggested that he pick up a cider bottle, he replied, ‘You f***ing do it’.”

Ms Lann said that Thomson then threatened his neighbour with violence, by stating: “I’m going to get my sister to do you in.

“In fact, I’m going to get all three of my sisters because of the f***ing size of you!”

Thomson’s lawyer Brian Selby explained that his client had been treated for alcoholism and helped out around the complainer’s house.

That night, he said, Thomson had been sweeping up when Ms Graham’s daughter arrived and asked him to leave.

The court heard that the daughter did not like the effect Thomson’s presence had on her mother’s drinking habits and wanted him to go.

At that, an argument broke out.

At court last week, Sheriff John Miller deferred sentence until August 16 for the accused to be of good behaviour, warning him not to cause trouble with his neighbours until then.

The accused was ordered to appear on that date.

Thomson has two previous convictions, one for a drink-driving offence and another for a breach of the peace which happened in 1987.