An enraged hotel guest charged at a receptionist investigating a noise complaint from a visitor in the next room.
Scott Paterson was staying at the Premier Inn on the Ellon Road when a guest in the neighbouring room took issue with the noise he was making.
A complaint was made to staff and the hotel’s receptionist went to investigate.
But after not getting anywhere communicating through the door, the receptionist entered using his master key, before Paterson, 34, sprang to his feet and “charged” at him.
Fiscal depute Anne MacDonald told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 11.45pm on Sunday, October 2 last year.
‘Further confrontation’
She said: “The receptionist at the hotel was contacted by another guest because of excessive noise coming from the accused’s room.
“The receptionist went to speak to the accused in his room.
“The accused did not want to open the door to the receptionist.
“There was a conversation back and forth through the closed door but the receptionist decided to use his master key to open the door.”
‘This is ridiculous’
Ms MacDonald said Paterson then “got up off the bed and charged towards the door, shouting and swearing at the receptionist”.
There was a “confrontation” between the pair which resulted in the man deciding to go back down to reception to phone the police.
Ms MacDonald added: “Unfortunately, the accused followed him down to the reception area and there was a further confrontation at the reception desk with the accused continuing to shout and swear.”
Paterson, of Dunbar Street, Lossiemouth, pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
Defence agent Chris Maitland said: “He doesn’t accept the conversation through the door.
“He was not aware of the staff member trying to get his attention.
‘He does appear to be genuinely remorseful’
“First they cut off the power to the room and then came in.
“He and his partner took exception to this.
“He just saw red and got angry and continued that downstairs.”
Mr Maitland explained that at some point during the row, Paterson realised what he was doing and “took a step back”.
Sheriff Rhona Wark interjected: “Too late.”
Mr Maitland continued: “Of course too late. He’d had a few drinks but he’s not making excuses.
“There’s a point where he realises this is ridiculous and appears to have apologised.
“At the very end, he actually shakes hands with the receptionist.
“He does appear to be genuinely remorseful.”
Sheriff Wark fined Paterson £420.
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