A Fife man who lives in his car has been jailed for tearing the wiring out of his partner’s car engine.
Andrew Stewart, 47, who uses a postal address in Kirkcaldy but lives elsewhere in his motor, had been given a lift, together with his partner, from Ninewells Hospital.
During the journey he began drinking “without any major issues” until he realised they were in the Bonnybridge area of Stirlingshire, Falkirk Sheriff Court was told.
Prosecutor Fiona Griffin said: “He started to become agitated.
“He said he did not want to be dropped there.”
He followed his partner, Frances McPhee, who lives in a house in Bonnybridge, into her home, but “quickly became aggressive”.
Miss Griffin said: “He was swearing and shouting things such as, ‘this is not my house’ and ‘you’re nothing but a mongol’.”
The depute fiscal said he “continued to utter random drunken ramblings”, then left.
Pulled out car wiring
Miss Griffin said: “Once out of the address he continued to shout and swear and lifted the bonnet of Miss McPhee’s vehicle and pull out wiring linked to the engine.”
Police were called, and Stewart walked off.
He was arrested about an hour later.
The court heard Stewart had compensated Miss McPhee for the damage, described as “minor”.
Stewart pled guilty to committing a statutory breach of the peace on August 8.
Lives in car
Defence solicitor Jaclyn Robertson said: “He is 47 years old and he lives in his car.
“He is more often under the influence of alcohol than not.
“His mail address is his son’s address.
“He stays there from time to time.
“His relationship with Miss Stewart I would describe as on-off.
“They’ve been together for a number of years and they have four children together.
“About Mr Stewart’s record, I cannot say it’s limited, however it fits on to two pages.
“He certainly doesn’t have the most extensive record for someone of his age.”
Alcohol issues
Imposing a prison sentence of 83 days, Sheriff Craig Harris said that according to social workers, Stewart had “turned up for a report, being prepared for the court, under the influence, in such a state that he was incapable of consenting or even of understanding the options that were on offer”.
He told Stewart: “The court has limited options.
“Your culpability was high, though the harm may have been limited.
“The social work report records that you have refused all referrals to alcohol treatment or counselling.
“You do not think you need intervention.
“You presented as incoherent at your assessment and you didn’t even have the capacity to consent (to a harm reduction programme) because you were under the influence.
“The report says there’s a level of denial and a lack of motivation to effect change.
“Considering all that, the only appropriate method of dealing with you now is a custodial sentence.”
Stewart showed no emotion as he was led below to the cells.
