'I'll just get a gallon of petrol': Falkirk offender threatens police with container of fluid
A domestic offender took umbrage at police officers entering his home and came towards them carrying a container with fluid in it, after telling them “I’ll just get a gallon of petrol”.
Dale Marshall, 32, did not want officers coming into his house, telling them he had to put his dog away first and would be closing the door on them.
When they said he could not do that he told them “You want to bet?”.
Marshall appeared from custody via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having admitted threatening behaviour at his 103 Kilbrennan Drive, Tamfourhill home on October 4.
The charge stated Marshall shouted, swore and threatened police officers, walking towards them with a container of fluid.
He also admitted further threatening behaviour offences committed back in 2023.
Procurator fiscal depute Bernadette Cuthbertson said: “It was 11.20am when police attended at the home address of the accused. He was wanted in relation to a warrant.
"The accused answered the door with a dog beside him, holding it by the collar. He told officers he would let them in but had to put the dog away first and stated he was going to close the door.”
When officers said he could not do that, he took offence at this and when they came into his property said “You want to bet?” as he walked up the hallway.
"The accused told officers ‘I’ll just get a gallon of petrol’ and held a container while he walked up the hallway.”
On another occasion Marshall was acting up in the presence of his on/off partner.
"She took her children to school,” said the procurator fiscal depute. “On returning home she found the accused still asleep in his bed. At 11.30am he woke up in a bad mood and said something like ‘I would be as well staying in bed as you’re on your phone’.
"He got up to go to the bathroom and called her a ‘dirty rat’.”
When the woman wanted to leave, Marshall blocked the doorway telling her she was not going anywhere. He then hit her with a pillow and she fell, starting to cry.
Marshall said: “That’ll teach you.”
He then called his mother to get her to attend at the house. The woman refused to let Marshall’s mother in and called the police.
The court heard Marshall had been couch surfacing following his release from a previous spell in custody.
It was stated he was hopeful he would be able to return to his painting and decorating job.
Sheriff Maryam Labaki said: “The problem here is he is a domestic abuser and he is a danger to anyone in a relationship with him. This is a terrible report and he has spent a number of weeks in custody and I could return him there.
"I understand why the report raises so many red flags. If he is not suitable for the Caledonian programme then a prison sentence is likely.”
She deferred sentence on Marshall for a Caledonian domestic abuse programme assessment and decided to release on bail with a 7pm to 7am curfew in place until December 3.