By Calum Liddle
Edinburgh Sheriff Court, 20 Nov 2009.
A MAN has been told to “turn his
life around” by a sheriff, after
pleading guilty to nuisance
behaviour and threatening
neighbours in the Saughton area
of Edinburgh.
David Melbourne, 21, of
Stenhouse, had a public
argument with a man after
the sale of his dog fell through.
Melbourne was seen in the area shouting to residents “come and have a go” and threatened to petrol-bomb a flat. Witnesses then saw Melbourne banging on a door in Saughton Mains Terrace shortly after in an “aggressive and highly intimidating manner”, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard.
Defence agent Marie Stewart said: “The primary witness is Mr Melbournes step-sister. They do not have a good relationship.”
The incident took place some time between 23.00 GMT and 00.30 GMT on Friday 16 October 2009.
The defendant's brother William Melbourne and Dean Alexander Smith, who were present during the confrontations, were acquitted of similar charges.
David Melbourne has a previous conviction for assault in April 2009 following a affray on a bus. He was ordered to carry out 60 days community service.
Sheriff Neil MacKinnon QC ordered background reports in the hope that external agencies can help shift Melbourne from a “life of revolving crime”.
“I am concerned that at just 21-years-old you already have a string of offences.
“You must sort out your life if you wish to avoid a lifetime in-and-out of prison. To do this, you need help.
“I do not want to punish you. I want to help you. You must accept this help and turn your life around before I see you again.”
The Sheriff told Melbourne to “put the event behind him”.
Sentence has been deferred until 18 December 2009 following background repoorts.
I do not want to punish you. I want to help you.
- Sheriff Neil MacKinnon QC