Highland man jailed for brandishing hammer after losing his temper

A Dingwall man who lost his temper with his ex-partner after helping to redecorate her home was jailed for three months at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.

James Taylor, 3 Cambrai House, Station Road appeared from custody and admitted breaking the peace, brandishing a hammer and uttering threats of violence at a house in MacRae Crescent on January 9.

Fiscal depute Michelle Molley told the court that Taylor’s former partner went to enquire on progress of the work and there was a disagreement.

“He was asked to leave and was pushed out the door. But before he went outside, he picked up a hammer, was shouting and swearing outside and making threats. The police were called.”

Defending, Rory Gowans said his client, who is 24, was on a release licence from an earlier prison sentence which was due to expire on January 20 next year.

“He had been staying at the house and he regarded her and her brother as good friends. There was a disagreement and he regrets acting in the way he did.

“He was due to undertake anger management courses and had just secured his own accommodation in Dingwall.

“He recognises that with his record only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”