An Aberdeen man has been jailed for four months after scaring his neighbours by shouting racist remarks – despite claiming the abuse was directed at Eastern European gangster characters in a video game.
Terry Whyte told Aberdeen Sheriff Court he had been engrossed in a game of Grand Theft Auto when the disturbance began on Monday evening.
The 31-year-old banged on doors and walls and made racist comments which were overheard by neighbours, including a threat to “cut your throats”.
They were so concerned they contacted the police, with four officers sent to an address in the city’s Summerfield Place.
Fiscal depute Christie Ward said that when they arrived, Whyte attempted to prevent them from placing handcuffs on him and made homophobic comments.
He also struggled with officers and lashed out violently with his arms and legs.
His solicitor Kevin Longino yesterday offered an explanation for the actions that brought his client to the attention of police.
“He was shouting while playing a game called Grand Theft Auto,” Mr Longino said.
“What has happened here is that Mr Whyte has been banging and shouting at the computer.
“He was shouting at characters on the computer. And the game has Eastern European gangsters he had been playing against.
“He knows it is not acceptable behaviour and he fully accepts that.”
The court heard Whyte had mental health issues and that the combination of his medication with the alcohol he had consumed on the evening had contributed to his behaviour.
Mr Longino added that his client enjoyed playing video games because it stopped him from going out and meeting people in whose company he used to offend.
Whyte pled guilty to acting in a threatening or abusive behaviour, struggling violently with police officers and swearing and making homophobic comments to police.
Sheriff Graeme Napier jailed Whyte, adding: “What an appalling neighbour you must be.”
