A construction worker who told a witness in his friend’s upcoming trial to lie has been fined £1,000.
Callum Millar, from Fraserburgh, threatened Ian Neilson and told him “he better say” he could not remember what had allegedly happened.
The 22-year-old yesterday admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice by threatening Mr Neilson when he appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
Millar, who is employed as a contractor on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, avoided jail however, after the court heard it was a “daft 10 second” decision made during a “bad week”.
The court heard Mr Neilson was approached by Millar while in his car at Fraserburgh beach on November 28.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAllister told the court Millar had told Mr Neilson he knew where he lived, what car he drove and suggested that he lie in court.
Mr McAllister quoted Millar as saying: “See that court case you’ve got coming up in a couple weeks time, you better say you don’t remember anything because I know where you stay and know what car you drive.
“You better watch yourself.”
Mr Neilson had been due to give evidence against Millar’s friend Gino del Testa in an unrelated case.
Yesterday, Sheriff Fletcher said Millar could have ordinarily expected a custodial sentence for his actions.
“It was done in the spur of the moment,” he added.
“For that reason, I am prepared to deal with it by means of a financial penalty.”
Millar, who lives with his parents at Fordafourie Cottages, will pay his fine in installments of £100 per month.
His solicitor Jane Dickers had told the court that any unpaid work imposed as part of a community payback order would be difficult for Millar to complete due to his work commitments on the AWPR, where employers are “ruthless”.
“He does appreciate how serious it is,” she added.
“He described the offence in the context of a very bad week when he was struggling to see his small daughter.
“He has taken full responsibility for his actions.”
In a background report on the incident, Millar had branded it a “daft 10 seconds”.