Serial Falkirk offender jailed after breaching court order by visiting woman's home

Police had to be called after witnesses overheard an argument between Paul McDermott (35) and the woman, in which she told him “I don’t want you anywhere near me”.

McDermott, 10 Glengarry Crescent, Lionthorn, Falkirk, appeared via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday having pled guilty to shouting, swearing and committing a breach of the peace at a Denny property on July 3.

He’d also admitted breaching the terms of a non-harassment order by contacting the woman that day.

The court heard McDermott was spotted within the woman’s garden and she allowed him inside.

Procurator fiscal depute Sean Maher said: “Later that same afternoon, two further witnesses heard a verbal altercation.

“They were able to identify the voices that were heard and the complainer was heard to shout ‘I don’t want you anywhere near me’.

“This altercation continued and the witnesses contacted the police.

“Police thereafter attended, however, they weren’t successful, at least initially, in gaining entry. Police continued knocking at the door and the complainer answered.

“The accused was traced within a bedroom where he was arrested and thereafter conveyed to Falkirk Police Station.”

Defence solicitor Dick Sandeman said his client, the subject of two-year non-harassment order until next May, had “taken some drink” before he went to the woman’s home.

Mr Sandeman said: “He doesn’t have a particularly good record in terms of domestic matters.

“He is appearing on September 17 for another matter. A Caledonian Programme assessment on a current order is being done.”

Imprisoning McDermott for six months, backdated to July 6, Sheriff Derek Hamilton said: “Having looked at your record, I see you have four domestic assaults and convictions for breaching these.

“You also breached a number of other court orders and the only way the message can get across to you is if I impose a significant sentence.”

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