Romantic tryst ended in a court appearance for Carluke man

Jamie O’Neill, of North Avenue, Carluke, appeared from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week and pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting, swearing, striking and kicking at a door in The Inn on Loch Lomond hotel trying to gain entry while his partner was in the room.

The couple checked in on January 2 and both consumed large amounts of alcohol that evening before heading back to room 202 around 2am.

Depute fiscal Scott Simpson said: “There were complaints about noise from the room and the accused was asked to leave the room by the hotel staff and remain in reception and presumably sit quietly there, which he did.

“He was cooperative until about 9am, when one of the cleaners was on duty, when the accused appeared [at the couple’s room] demanding entry.

“He was shouting, ‘open the f****** door, b******’ and at that point his partner was in the cupboard. He was kicking the door. Staff went to investigate and the partner was in distress and she explained there had been an argument at an earlier stage so police were contacted and attended.

“The complainer had less to say than the accused. He accepted he had too much to drink and there was shouting and swearing and he was locked out and struck the door.”

Defence solicitor Brian McGuire said: “This was a Christmas present from her to him. They had taken their dog with them. He took the dog for a walk and when he returned, she refused him entry. He stayed at reception for two hours, went back about 6am and was still refused entry and went back to reception for some time. She was not prepared to engage with police but he did. It is a very unfortunate episode.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said if O’Neill behaved for the next three months, he would consider dealing with the case leniently.

He said: “This is a very bad start for the year and it takes the polish off what should have been a nice evening for both of you.”