And finally… kiss kiss, bang bang & the 31st of March blues

A local judge ruled that a message from 22-year-old Bilal Azougagh, which contained only a cartoon icon representing a gun (pictured), could be interpreted as a death threat.

The ex-girlfriend’s lawyer argued that the message gave her nightmares and left her afraid to go out by herself.

Counsel for Azougagh argued that a contextless image would not have such a strong effect.

He lost the case and was sentenced to six months in jail with three months suspended, and ordered to pay €1,000 to his victim.

The maximum penalty for death threats in France is three years in prison and up to €45,000 in damages.

Ian C Ferguson of Mitchells Roberton Limited contributes a special tax-themed And finally… for SLN today.

Donald: I’m wiped-out. It’s 5.30pm and I just can’t face any more work. I’m going for a pint.

Ian: You know what? I feel exactly the same, wait for me. Our Year End, and the stampede of purchases of second homes to beat the intro of ADS on LBTT has been great for business but heavy-going.

Donald: What will we drink to?

Ian: Strangely for me, the Scottish Government and their windfall “Added DIVIDEND Supplement” to our profit and bottom line this financial year.

Donald: What about next year?

Ian: Let’s just say, I may have difficulty even paying for a pint then.

Donald & Ian: Cheers!!