Thug pleads for prison after threats to witnesses

Stuart Kerr (39) appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pled guilty to behaving in a threatening manner between September 26 and 27, sending threatening messages to his former partner and her partner and behaving in a threatening manner towards police at his home address on October 7.

Procurator fiscal depute Samantha Brown said: “The female complainer was in a relationship with him for five years, but that had come to an end in 2015. The complainer received some contact from the accused.

“It became a hostile conversation regarding a court case. There were 45 messages in total and he made reference to the complainer having grassed on him.

“He said ‘If you want me to come through just now I will breach my bail conditions again and sort this once and for all’.

“He continued ‘I don’t need to give you a beating when there is a few people already wanting to’. He added she would be murdered if he ended up in jail.

“He also sent messages to the female complainer’s partner stating ‘you’re dead’ and challenging him to a fight. He said ‘You bottled it because you know I will end your life, which I probably will if I’m being honest with you’.”

Kerr later refused to let police officers into his home.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “He told police ‘Any of you try to get in here and you will be stabbed’. When they managed to gain entry he continued to be abusive and was arrested.

“He threatened police officers’ families.”

Martin Morrow, defence solicitor, said: “He contacted the lady to tell her he was pleading guilty to the offence, but things go completely out of control. He is finding things very difficult and just wants to go into custody.”

Sheriff Derek Livingston sentenced Kerr, 9A Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, to 15 months in prison.