Man given final chance by sheriff after Helensburgh assault

Martin Ross, 27, of Old Luss Road, was due to be sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court after earlier pleading guilty to a charge of assault at a house in Kirkmichael Road on July 18 last year.

Sentence was deferred on the earlier occasion in order for a social work report to be prepared – but when the case was called on Friday, July 26, Ross’s solicitor said there was no report available.

Defence lawyer Judith Reid told Sheriff William Gallacher her client was adamant he had not received a letter from social workers instructing him to attend an appointment.

Sheriff Gallacher said: “On his past history, I don’t need a report.

“A custodial sentence is available to me, but I take it that’s not what you’re asking me to do?”

His “past history” includes a conviction in 2017 when Ross threatened his mother and sister with a knife at a property in Faifley and threatened to set the house in Kirkmichael Road on fire.

On that occasion Ross was spared a prison term, and handed instead a community payback order.

Ms Reid said Ross was aware of a new date for an appointment, and asked that her client be given a last chance to meet social workers.

Sheriff Gallacher told Ross: “There is just enough doubt in my mind that you are not simply avoiding this and we’re not just wasting our time.

“This offence was not trivial, and not pleasant.”

In relation to the incident last July, Ross had faced a further charge alleging he had shouted and swore at the householders and behaved aggressively, but a plea of not guilty to that charge was accepted by the Crown.

Ross will return to court for sentencing on August 23.