Latest news with #ObanSheriffCourt
Press and Journal
15-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Oban man had to put his pet dog down - so strangled it in the bathroom
An Oban man who pleaded guilty to strangling his American Bully dog has been warned he faces jail for the 'awful' crime. Harry Russell, 42, killed his dog, called Rex, after a neighbour complained about his pet's aggressive behaviour. After agreeing with his then-partner that Rex should be put down, Russell took the dog into a bathroom and throttled him to death, Oban Sheriff Court was told. Russell appeared in court yesterday and admitted carrying out the killing at an address on Hazeldene Crescent, Oban, in April 2021. Sheriff Euan Cameron told Russell that, given his criminal record, his actions crossed the custodial threshold 'and then some'. Depute fiscal Raeesa Ahmed said that Russell, of Kerrera Terrace, Oban, and his then partner had adopted Rex at the age of two. Rex had a psychological disorder and was aggressive to other dogs. She said: 'During April 2021, the complainer was in the locus when a neighbour had cause for complaint about Rex's behaviour. 'The accused had gone out to get Rex and brought him into the living room of the house. 'The accused and the complainer agreed that Rex's behaviour was not acceptable, so they agreed they would have Rex put down. 'The complainer said she would contact the vets to have the dog put down, but the accused stopped her, saying 'I have to do this myself'. 'Russell had been drinking heavily at the time and was behaving aggressively to the complainer. He said it was his dog. 'The complainer had seen him angry before but did not expect him to kill the dog.' The woman went outside to check on her children, and when she came back 10 minutes later, she saw Russell kneeling over the dog in the bathroom. He appeared to be strangling it. 'The complainer said 'what the hell are you doing?,'' Miss Ahmed said. 'He didn't look up and continued to strangle the dog. It went on for a minute. 'Thinking [Rex] was dead. Russell was then angry. 'The complainer said the dog Rex was not moving. It was at that moment that the accused and complainer heard the dog gargle. 'The complainer told Russell to leave the dog alone. The accused ignored her and got back on top of the dog to strangle him.' Rex died moments later. The complainer then dragged Rex's body into the bathroom and exited the room via the window. 'That evening, the complainer took the dog to be buried at a place where he liked to walk.' The complainer was said to be 'terrified' of the accused and kept what had happened secret, telling people 'Rex had been put down'. But later she reported it to the police. The defence agent for JBM Law said they would reserve mitigation until the case is called again on June 11, but told the court: 'On the date of the offence, the neighbour had complained that [Rex] had bitten another dog.' The solicitor also noted that since the incident, Russell had turned his life around. Sheriff Euan Cameron said: 'What an utterly, awful, awful, awful thing to do. I am appalled by what I have heard. 'Because you have never served a custodial sentence, and you are already subject to a community payback order, I am calling for a criminal justice social work report. 'I am also seeking a restriction of liberty order assessment, and at the next calling, I will consider the Crown's motion for a disqualification order.' The disqualification order — if granted — could restrict Russell's ability to own or look after a dog or other animals in the future. Sheriff Cameron added: 'Custody is a possibility here, but I will reserve that decision until I have everything in front of me.'
Press and Journal
30-04-2025
- Press and Journal
Fisherman faces jail after brandishing machete in Tobermory harbour
A fisherman who had a machete in the harbour area of Tobermory has been warned his sea-faring days may be numbered for now. Sheriff Euan Cameron told Andrew Aitken that there was a 'distinct possibility' he would go to jail when his case next calls at Oban Sheriff Court. The court was earlier told how, after more than six hours of drinking on January 21 2024 in MacGochan's, Aitken, 34, got into a verbal disagreement with other customers. Staff in the pub tried to de-escalate the situation, after one customer told them Aitken was 'giving him grief'. Fiscal depute Raeesa Ahmed said staff had described a night of escalating tensions between Aitken and another customer and attempted to calm things down. But by closing time, when the accused went to the toilet, the other customers took the opportunity to leave the premises. Realising this, Aitken became aggressive. When Aitken walked out of the pub, he had to be held back from another customer. Aitken, of Marine Court, Dunbeg, challenged him to a fight and a punch was thrown. The pair were separated by bar staff. Ms Ahmed said: 'The accused then went to his boat, the Aqua Dragon, and got a machete 12 to 18 inches long and hid it on his body. 'The accused then returned to the area and intercepted the man by running towards him. 'He produced the machete from behind his back and put it into his right hand, and he then put the machete away down the front of his clothes.' When questioned by people nearby, Ms Ahmed said: 'The accused was dismissive and said nothing had happened.' The police were called and went to the boat to speak to Aitken. Ms Ahmed continued: 'Police officers went to the boat. The accused confirmed his name and date of birth but would not allow officers to come on board.' Officers then spoke to witnesses. The following day, Aitken was traced to Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban, where he was arrested and charged. He made no reply. Defence agent Kevin McGuinness told the court: 'The machete was never recovered.' Mr McGuinness said he would reserve mitigation until the next hearing on June 11. Sheriff Euan Cameron said: 'In light of the severity of this event, all options are being considered. 'You took a dangerous weapon into a public place. This is a very serious matter, and custody must be considered. 'This is a serious offence and there is a distinct possibility of a custodial sentence. You must put your affairs in order. 'I am calling for criminal justice social work reports and a restriction of liberty assessment.'
