Slamannan hammer man a COVID-19 court no show

An offender who came to a stranger’s door and threatened a 15-year-old boy with a hammer has now apparently contracted COVID-19.
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Andrew Trotter (33) failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening manner at an address in Craigbank Road, Avonbridge, on September 7 last year.

He also admitted threatening behaviour in possession of a hammer at an address in Balcastle Road, Slamannan on June 24.

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At a court appearance earlier in the year procurator fiscal depute James Moncrieff said: “The complainer, who was 15 at the time, was in his house at 6.40pm. The front door was knocked and he answered it.

Trotter failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff CourtTrotter failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court
Trotter failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court

"The accused was standing there.”

The court head Trotter said he was was there due to online reports regarding three males with knives going around the village.

"The complainer said he had no idea what he was talking about,” said Mr Moncrieff. “He saw the accused was in possession of something resembling a hammer. He tried to shut the door, but the accused initially punched the door and thereafter pushed it, causing it to brush against the complainer’s face.

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"The door was then closed and the complainer went to the upstairs window and spoke down to the accused – he said he had PTSD and was looking for these three males who the complainer knew nothing about.

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"The complainer was described as being scared by this encounter.”

When Trotter was arrested later that evening, he told officers “It was a brick hammer – I’m a workie”.

At the time Stephen Biggam, defence solicitor, said Trotter, who displayed an “immature approach to human relations”, had been out looking for work as a handyman when he called on the 15-year-old’s door.

Back then Derek Livingston placed Trotter, 60 Balquhatstone Crescent, Slamannan, on a supervised community payback order for two years with the condition he complete 270 hours unpaid work for 12 months and attend psychological and addiction services.

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At last Thursday’s court Mr Biggam said he had taken the “executive decision” to excuse Trotter’s attendance due to his COVID-19 infection, stating: “I don’t want him coming near me today – he is still exhibiting symptoms.”

Sheriff Craig Harris deferred sentence until July 28.