Woman at 'wits' end' with neighbours issued death threat

Carol Ann McCue, 45, made a death threat against one of her neighbours in the presence of police who had arrived to find her in a 'highly emotional state'.

Ms McCue had drank alcohol on top of prescribed medication after being placed 'under pressure' by two people who had been given flats within her close on Maple Road, the sheriff court heard.

Her lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, said: "Within the close there are other properties which are commonly referred to as scatter flats.

"Ms McCue has no choice as to who her neighbours might be.

"She has effectively been taken advantage of, with people helping themselves to the contents of her fridge and her money as well.

"The straw had almost broken the camel's back by that stage.

"I think she was at her wits' end to an extent."

The first time offender, who now lives elsewhere in the town, pleaded guilty to shouting, swearing, uttering a threat and struggling with police.

She committed the offences in March last year.

Prosecutor Angie Bennett said: "The accused was in a highly emotional state and explained that she was having difficulty with a neighbour.

"Police heard footsteps in the common close area and the accused stated, 'That's her, I'm going to kill her'.

"She was informed that she was under arrest and she began flailing her arms around.

"Handcuffs were applied and she was conveyed to Greenock police office."

Solicitor Mr Gallagher said: "Ms McCue had been under pressure for some time from two neighbours.

"She had been there [at Maple Road] for seven years and was settled there.

"Now, at the age of 45, she finds herself before the sheriff court.

"She accepts that her behaviour cannot be tolerated but it is against the backdrop I have mentioned."

Sheriff Sheena Fraser remarked: "It is extremely unfortunate that you find yourself before the court at your age, having not been in trouble before.

"I accept that this is behaviour not typical of you."

Sheriff Fraser fined Ms McCue the sum of £135.