Sheriff lets wheelchair user off the hook after finding himself at a loss

Robert Reid, 44, was let off the hook at Perth Sheriff Court by Sheriff Lindsay Foulis despite his previous convictions for domestic assault, theft and breach of the peace – among others.

The court heard that Mr Reid tried to escape a moving vehicle and lashed out at his wife while she tried to stop him.

However, it also heard he suffered from various ailments.

Sheriff Foulis said: “The question is, what in heaven’s name are you actually meant to do with this accused?

He will be admonished – purely on the basis that I do not see any other feasible disposal.

“He is wheelchair-bound, has diabetes, depression, is disabled and has paranoid schizophrenia. He clearly has a heart condition.

“He suffered from an aneurysm 12 years ago.

“He is significantly reduced in body movement. If you look at his record, he has – 13 years ago – a drink-related driving offence, thefts, a breach of the peace in 2010 which I presume relates to his wife.

“Then he has an assault in 2011 which I presume relates to the same lady.

“This was a domestic scenario. He has breached bail conditions and supervised attendance orders.”

Mr Reid admitted behaving as he did by acting in a threatening and abusive manner in attempting to open the car door while hitting himself and lashing out at the other passengers.