A “feral” stalker has been jailed for a frightening campaign against his ex in which he was found near a rural cottage with a sword.
What appeared to be axe marks were also found on the door of the house near Carnoustie after Keiran Hughes was seen in the vicinity with the black-handled blade tucked into his trousers.
At Forfar Sheriff Court the 20-year-old’s lawyer said things had gone “badly wrong” for the accused after the breakdown of a two-year relationship and as a result of other difficulties in his life.
Hughes, of Blacklock Crescent, Dundee appeared for sentence before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio having previously admitted a string of charges relating to offences against the woman in September and October last year.
He pleaded guilty to repeatedly contacting the woman by telephone, text and social media and attempting to approach the victim and her father, while on bail.
Hughes also admitted a September 18/19 offence in which he went to the farm cottage at Muirdrum, repeatedly knocked on the door there and stared in the window, struck the door of the house and broke a window; as well as possessing a sword.
The court heard that on September 17 the pair had met up for a night out and things were fine, but in the early hours he became abusive toward her and she got a taxi home.
Hughes then sent a message saying he was “coming to smash the house in”.
The victim went to the cottage of her father’s partner and a car with Hughes in the passenger’s seat was seen in the vicinity.
Damage to the door was discovered and after another witness saw Hughes with what was described as a long handled weapon, police were called.
Solicitor Anika Jethwa said: “He doesn’t have the longest of records, but his presentation at times is almost feral.
“This relationship with the young lady is now well and truly over – it was a toxic relationship.
“When it came to an end, and with everything else going on in his life, he reacted in the worst possible way. He has never acted in this way before and it was anger and frustration.
“He is 21 at the end of this month and this will be his first prison sentence,” added Ms Jethwa.
Jailing Hughes for 150 days, Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said: “You have a relatively short record, you’re still very young but you are somebody who has come before the court with a report which is not in particularly good terms.
“In the circumstances I don’t have any option but to impose a sentence of imprisonment.”
