'I'm coming to your door with a chainsaw'

Graham Henderson, 30, appeared for sentencing on Thursday, November 1, having pleaded guilty to the charge at an intermediate diet.

The charge states on October 30 at an address in Devonside he made three calls to a woman that were offensive, or of an obscene and menacing character by shouting, swearing and making violent threats.

Fiscal depute Susannah Hutchison described the incident to the court.

She said: "The complainant received a call on her mobile phone, answered it, and heard the accused's voice, so turned the speaker function on.

"The accused became aggressive, saying: 'I've heard you've been speaking about me'.

"The complainant denied this, but he started making threats: 'I'll stab f**k out of you, and [another person], and your sister – I'm coming to your address'.

"The accused continued threatening to fight with people, and so the call was ended.

"In another call he said: 'I'm coming to your door with a chainsaw' and he threatened the complainant's extended family and said he'd set her house on fire."

As a result of the vile threats, those in the property became concerned for the welfare of a four-year-old who was at the address, and so they called the police.

The prosecutor continued: "Officers attended the address and there was another phone call during that time, where the accused said: 'I'll f****g stab you, I'm coming to your house'.

"Officers then spoke to the accused, who told them: 'f**k off you piggy b******s' before hanging up."

Henderson was traced by police later that night and found to be under the influence of substances when he was arrested and taken to Falkirk Police Station.

His lawyer acknowledged there were issues with their client's behaviour.

They said: "His attitude is not helpful and his position is he received a slight from the complainant."

It was claimed their client had previously made progress in overcoming drug and alcohol problems – but that they were under the influence during the incident.

They also pointed out Henderson pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and was now seeking employment.

Sheriff Christopher Shead told Henderson he had one last opportunity to avoid prison.

He said: "You have a bad record, and were in custody recently, and the court is satisfied that due to the nature of your behaviour a custodial sentence is an option.

"It's hardly helpful you were under the influence during the incident given your previous circumstances.

"But there might be one further opportunity for you to keep your liberty."

Henderson, of James Pollock Court, Tillicoultry, was given a Community Payback Order with the requirement he complete 160 hours of unpaid work within six months, reduced from 240 hours due to the early guilty plea.

However, the Sheriff warned him: "This is an alternative to custody, so if you don't comply you can expect to be taken into custody."