Communication breakdown: Offender's phone phobia receives little sympathy from Falkirk court

By Court Reporter
Published 28th Jun 2023, 08:02 BST
Updated 28th Jun 2023, 08:07 BST
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John McGarry, 34, appeared from custody at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour – shouting, swearing and acting aggressively towards ambulance staff – at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on May 16.

The court heard McGarry had refused to take a phone call from social work regarding a report.

Lynn Swan said: “He had anxiety about communicating on the telephone. He wanted to be able to speak face to face with a social worker. He is keen to get some form of help.”

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Sheriff Alison Michie decided to give McGarry, of no fixed abode, one last chance – deferring sentence until July 13 for preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment. McGarry was remanded in custody until that date.

Sheriff Michie warned him: “If you fail to comply on another occasion the court will be left with little option.”