A young soldier who delivered a sustained barrage of abuse at a Forfar garage assistant after going AWOL from his regiment has been ordered to pay £400 compensation to his victim.
Scots Guardsman Kevin Gibb repeatedly shouted, swore and kicked the door of the Shell service station in the town’s Queenswell Road.
Sheriff Gregor Murray said the incident would have been “terrifying” for the staff member.
At the town’s sheriff court yesterday the 22-year-old, from Forfar, was given a Community Payback Order after a positive reference from his commanding officer was passed up to the bench.
But Sheriff Murray told Gibb any repeat of similar behaviour would see him sent to prison.
The accused had previously admitted the February 19 offence.
Defence solicitor Bob Bruce said the incident had happened around a time of some personal difficulty for the 3 Para serviceman.
“He had too much to drink on the day in question and has virtually no recollection of this and can only put it down to stress,” said Mr Bruce.
He said Gibb had gone AWOL, but had the sense to return to his regiment. However, he was put on 12-hour guard shifts and was not allowed home leave or any privileges.
“They put him back to the Scots Guards, his mood has lifted and the problems have been solved,” said the solicitor.
Sheriff Murray said Gibb had “ranted and raved” for around an hour.
“The poor shop assistant must have been terrified,” he added.
“I fully accept you have taken responsibility for things and are now settled back in your regiment.
“This is the second incident for which you have appeared before the court and both have involved you being drunk,” added Sheriff Murray.
“Be in no doubt that if there was to be any repetition of this behaviour you will leave me with no option other than imprisonment.”
Gibb was placed on a one-year CPO with supervision and 120 hours unpaid work in addition to the compensation order.