A CLACKMANNAN woman has been given unpaid work for racially-abusing another woman over the phone.

Ashley Gallacher (20), of Izatt Terrace, appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Monday (10 August) where she pleaded guilty to a statutory breach of the peace, aggravated by a racial prejudice.

She had been in her neighbour’s home on 3 January this year when she called the complainer and identified herself as Claire Spence.

The court heard that she then aimed a series of derogatory remarks at her and uttered threats of violence.

She made racist comments about the complainer’s child and then said she would “love to bounce” the woman’s head off a window.

Depute fiscal Ann Orr said: “The conversation continued in this vein and the comments were recorded on the victim’s iPhone.

“The accused then threatened to murder the complainer’s dad and to smash her. And there was also reference made to a “wee f***ing Paki” and a “wee English boot” on the complainer’s side of the call.” Police then interviewed Gallacher and she later admitted making the call and pretending to be a person named Claire Spence.

Ms Orr added: “The accused subsequently said sorry and said that other people in the house had been whispering things to say and she repeated them.” Gallacher’s defence agent, Kelly Howe, said her client had been in a poor state emotionally during the period in question and had been abusing substances and consuming alcohol.

She added: “It’s fair to say that the other person’s present were goading Ms Gallacher and putting pressure on her to make these comments.

“However, she has co-operated fully with police and has recognised the wrongfulness of her actions. She then pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.” Sheriff Gillian Wade, presiding, then said: “I recognise you were at a very difficult period in your life at the time and I do take that into account.

“However, this was a very upsetting matter for those at the other end of the call and the language you used is quite unacceptable.” Gallacher was told to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work over the next three months.