Bainsford man damaged home of woman with terminal cancer after losing drugs

Paul Brownlee (44), 87 Gairdoch Street, Bainsford, took his anger out on a property – where he was “adamant” he’d previously bought illegal substances – by smashing a window and door.

However, the home belonged to a 64-year-old woman battling stage four cancer.

Brownlee appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pleaded guilty to recklessly damaging property at an address in Bainsford on November 28, 2020.

He’d also admitted being in possession of a metal bar in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Procurator fiscal depute Sean Maher said: “At approximately 12.10am, the witness was asleep when she was awoken by a loud banging and shouting which appeared to be coming from the front of her house.

Grangemouth man smashed up home after falsely accusing partner of cheating

“A male was observed outside. He was seen to smash a window and door. The matter was thereafter reported to the police.

“At this time a further witness was within his home having a cigarette when he heard a male shouting, followed by the sound of smashing.

“He investigated and saw a male in the front garden in possession of a stick. The man was observed to walk off.

“Police attended and the accused was found walking onto Dollar Avenue holding what’s described as a metal bar.

“He was instructed by officers to put it down, at which time he handed the bar – wrapped in tape – to a police officer. He was arrested and thereafter conveyed to custody.”

Defence solicitor Murray Aitken described the incident as one involving a “very unusual set of circumstances”.

Mr Aitken said: “He thought someone had taken his drugs and said, ‘I’m not putting up with that’.

“He’s adamant he purchased illicit drugs from that address previously.”

The solicitor said his client would engage with drug and mental health services.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton placed Brownlee on a structured deferred sentence.

Sheriff Hamilton said: “You need to come back here in three months.

“In the meantime, you need to engage and co-operate with those supervising you and Change Grow Live.

“If you don’t cooperate, an alternative sentence will be imposed.”

A review date was set for April 29.

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