Defendant sent offensive text message to ex-partner, threatening to break family member’s legs

The court heard that the 33-year-old father-of-four sent his former partner an offensive text message, threatening to break the family member’s legs.

David McArthur pleaded guilty at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to a charge of threatening behaviour.

Prosecutor Duncan MacKenzie said McArthur and his former partner had a troubled past which led to at least two non-harassment orders being made.

The latest offence happened on May 22, when McArthur was babysitting at the Dunrossness home of his ex-partner’s mother.

The court heard McArthur, of Castle Place, Perth, had been struggling to look after his children.

Mr MacKenzie said the defendant’s former partner returned to help him and asked him to leave, which he did.

But while on the NorthLink ferry to Aberdeen, McArthur sent a text message to his former partner.

The court heard the message included “f*** you and your mother” and then a threat to break the leg of the mother’s partner.

Mr MacKenzie said the complainant no longer wanted anything to do with the accused.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was already subject to a community order in relation to a sex offence.

He suggested the case be adjourned for reports to be prepared by criminal justice social workers. In that case, a similar arrangement could be implemented.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank agreed, releasing McArthur on bail on the condition that he had no contact with his former partner in the meantime.