A 21 year old Inverness man took a hammer to his former’s boss’s car because he claimed he had not been paid.
Reece MacLeod, of Birchwood Court admitted a breach of the peace in High Street, Avoch on August 10 last year by behaving in a threatening manner, banging and kicking on a door, damaging a car and demanding money.
Fiscal depute David Morton said MacLeod had previously been employed by the owners of the property – a Mr Stewart and a Miss Campbell – and he went to their door demanding wages from them.
He went on: “The works vehicle was parked on the street, he took a hammer and used it to damage the windscreen and bodywork.”
Mr Morton added that a total of £475 in insurance excesses had to be paid.
Defence lawyer Rory Gowans said: “He had been working for these people for a month and a half as a handyman/labourer and was never paid.
“He was sent two cheques, both of which bounced. There were false promises and he has still not been paid. He is owed in excess of £1,000.
“This was all borne out of frustration. Others have also not been paid and I understand there are civil matters underway.
“He regrets his involvement but there is a significant background here.”
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood imposed no fine but ordered MacLeod to pay £475 of compensation and added: “You can go through the proper channels to get your wages.”