Sparks fly during Blairgowrie electricity row

Feb 12 2010 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SPARKS began to fly when a Blairgowrie man started arguing with his partner over the electricity supply in their flat.

The row continued outside the property and John Lochrane (22), of Ashgrove Road, Rattray, grabbed Danielle Barrett.

And when other people intervened, he turned on them, shouting and swearing and placing them in a state of fear and alarm.

The incidents led to him being ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid community work at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

Sheriff Robert McCreadie branded his behaviour “uncivilised and boorish.”

The offences took place in Balmoral Road, Rattray, on September 12.

Depute fiscal Lucy Keane said that a member of the public had become concerned and called police.

Officers later found him hiding in the attic.

Sentence on Lochrane had been deferred for background reports.

Solicitor Jamie Baxter said: “There had been a problem with the electricity supply in the building and that appears to have been the root of the argument between the pair.

“They continued the argument in the street outside and that was witnessed by third parties.”