AN angry Greenock man turned up at a woman's door and made violent threats over an 'unpaid load', leaving the victim ‘frightened and crying’.
Michael O’Donnell, 33, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner at the victim’s home in the town on April 8.
He has been ordered to complete unpaid work after he admitted attending her address before shouting, swearing and demanding money from her.
O’Donnell originally faced a charge of attempted extortion, but this was later amended following discussions between his lawyer and the Crown.
A fiscal depute told the court that O’Donnell arrived at the property at around 8:30pm and began to bang on the door.
He threatened the woman with violence, with police later being contacted.
OTHER NEWS: Greenock man in court after police response at IBM site
They traced O’Donnell at his home address on Gabriel Street at around 9:45pm, where he surrendered himself to officers.
Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher said O’Donnell had previously loaned the woman money and was still awaiting repayment.
Mr Gallagher added: “There was a degree of pent-up anger on his part that he was finding himself in that position.
“That does not condone his behaviour. He’s been able to reflect on that.
“In the report, there’s reference to him expressing regret for the way he behaved.
“He continues to have frustration, but he has to temper that.”
Sheriff James Varney told O’Donnell: “It does you absolutely no credit to turn up at somebody’s house that way.
“Do not borrow people money if that is how you intend to go about getting it back.”
O’Donnell was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and will remain under supervision for a period of 12 months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel