A THUG who threatened to ‘put holes’ in a woman has dodged a prison sentence.

James McMurray, of High Street, Maybole, behaved in a threatening manner by shouting, swearing and making offensive remarks towards the complainer in June this year.

The 32-year-old spat on her face having been released on bail in March. The day before this incident, McMurray assaulted a police Sergeant by kicking his body.

He shouted, swore, uttered threats and acted in an aggressive manner.
Depute fiscal, Stephen McLean, said: “McMurray was arrested on application of a warrant. Officers noticed he was under the influence of alcohol and took him to the cell.

“After the door was closed, he claimed his head was bleeding. Officers assessed him and found there was no injury.

“The accused became aggressive and began flailing his arms. He started kicking with his left leg and kicked one of the Sergeants.”

Mr McLean went on to explain how McMurray threatened a woman at her home address the next day.

He continued: “Two of the witnesses were at a friends home address. The accused attended as there had been a fall out between the parties.

“This led to an argument. McMurray called the woman that lived there a cow and threatened to take her up an ally and put holes in her.

“He spat in her face before he made off. Police were called who attended at the accused’s address.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Mr McKinnon, said: “My client knows this is despicable and that there is no excuse for this behaviour.

“He has not had a conviction since 2015. He did have a drug addiction but this problem has been removed. He appears to have been making progress in that matter.”

Sheriff John Montgomery asked: “Why did he act in this way towards the woman?”

Mr McKinnon replied: “The woman was his sister’s ex partner. The relationship ended acrimoniously. He wanted to talk to her about it but it escalated.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Montgomery, said: “One could say you have gone back to your old ways.

“There is no doubt you have got a bad record. There is however a glimmer of hope in terms of the social work report.

“It is for this reason you are not going to jail today. You will need to knuckle down. At the first whiff of a breach, I will take you off this order and send you into custody.”

McMurray will complete 18 months of community service under supervision. He will also complete 180 hours unpaid work within six months.