Terrorised Coupar Angus dad "let down" by criminal justice system
A Perthshire father feels "badly let down" by the justice system after months of abuse from local youths drove him to lash out.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 02.10.10
- Published online : 02.10.10 @ 06.36am
Robert Easson, from Coupar Angus, said he took the law into his own hands on July 7 in a desperate bid to protect his family and his home.
He was fined £600 at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday after admitting assaulting a teenager but believes he is the "real victim."
The 43-year-old had reported more than 40 incidents of anti-social behaviour to the police and local council before he came face to face with his two teenage tormentors.
In March, the huge front window of his terraced Victorian property in Queen Street was smashed by the pair, who allegedly "patrol the street" most nights threatening to "batter" him. One of the boys was later charged with the crime — and ordered to pay £400 in compensation — but Robert doesn't think it acted as a deterrent.
He says the late-night verbal outbursts continued until July 7, when the family's peace was "literally shattered."
After putting their toddler son Joshua to bed, Robert and his wife Claire settled down to watch TV with their older son Thomas (12).
Soon after they heard a loud banging and the self-employed painter and decorator went outside to investigate. He said, "I knew it was going to be the same two teenagers and when I went out they started shouting and swearing at me.
"I saw the 16-year-old standing kicking at the damaged window, while the 19-year-old egged him on, so I asked what on earth they were doing.
Swagger
"The two of them challenged me to a fight and got pretty aggressive. They swaggered over swinging their arms about and I swung a punch to protect myself, before falling over.
"My door was open at the time and my wife had come outside. I was really scared about what was going to happen. I admit throwing two more punches when one of them approached my wife, which I accept is wrong, but I had to do something.
"No one else was looking out for me. The police arrived soon after and I was taken to the station for questioning. I admitted punching the younger lad but in self defence. I was completely at the end of my tether and at a loss what else to do.
"I had to take the law into my own hands but was told I had no rights to be able to protect my property. What is the world coming to?"
Robert, originally from Dundee, continued, "The police and the ASBO team have been helpful and told me to report things but no real steps have been taken yet to curb the abuse. I feel let down by the court and the whole justice system. I understand I admitted to a crime but I thought the sheriff would have shown a bit of understanding."
Boarded up
Since the incident, Robert has boarded up the window but is not prepared to shell out the £600 to get it fixed. He is worried the same thing will happen again.
He continued, "I still hear the boys most nights, they seem to think it's a big game. My 12-year-old is now scared to answer the door, which upsets me.
"Some people have said to me I should move, but this is my home of eight years. I don't want to let them win. The youths think they rule the streets of Coupar Angus. It is only going to get worse."
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