A THUG from Fishcross has admitted trying to extort thousands of pounds from a girlfriend’s former partner by threatening violence.
A sheriff warned John Johnstone, 39, he was facing a possible prison sentence because of the seriousness of the charge.
He pleaded guilty to threatening a man with physical harm if he didn’t pay him £10,000.
Johnstone admitted attending the victim's place of work in Livingston and elsewhere and repeatedly sending him threatening emails and voice recordings between August 6 and 16, 2024.
He basically ordered him to pay up or be beaten up, Livingston Sheriff Court was told.
Depute fiscal Kat Jagla revealed Johnstone’s list of previous convictions and submitted a victim impact statement to the court.
Sheriff Jane Farquharson highlighted that there had been a “significant gap” in his offending since 2008.
She said: “I think in the circumstances the court would benefit from a criminal justice social work report.
“I’m sure Mr Johnstone is aware how serious the matter is.”
She told the accused: “I’ll allow your bail to continue, however that’s no indication of the outcome.”
Johnstone will be sentenced on April 23.
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