THROWING PAVING SLABS through the windows of an Elgin home was a step too far in a vendetta that has reportedly been going on for ten years.
Now Elgin man Gary Sim, 31, is serving a six-month sentence for his actions in May after Elgin Sheriff Court heard he tore slabs from the front of his uncle’s home and threw one through two windows.
Sim carried out the attack on the home in Beechfield Road – one of the slabs coming close to striking Kevin Grant’s dog. Sim, who lives in nearby Manitoba Avenue, admitted a charge of wilfully destroying property belonging to another and culpably and recklessly placing Mr Grant in danger.
The court was told by Fiscal Kevin Corrins that Sim had been seen by neighbours running away from the area – he was arrested by police shortly after.
In his defence, solicitor Mathew O’Neill said that his client’s relationship with Mr Grant had not been a positive one, adding that his client has been struggling with mental health issues and on the day of the attack had taken Valium and alcohol.
Sentencing Sim, sheriff Olga Pasportnikov said that she appreciated there were issues – but the court could not turn a blind eye to his behaviour.