Home   News   Article

Conon Bridge man placed under supervision at Inverness Sheriff Court after threatening teenage boys with axe


By Ali Morrison

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Sheriff Sara Matheson.
Sheriff Sara Matheson.

A 69-year-old Ross-shire man was placed under 18 months social work supervision after admitting threatening behaviour with an axe towards two teenage boys.

Peter Tough of Logie Place, Conon Bridge also invited one of the youths up to his bedroom after complimenting the lad on his physical appearance.

However Sheriff Sara Matheson decided against placing Tough on the Sex Offender's Register as it was accepted there was no significant sexual element to Tough's behaviour.

Sentence had been deferred on the pensioner for a background report and an assessment for a sex offender's rehabilitation programme.

Inverness Sheriff Court had previously been told that the youngsters had given Tough money to buy them cigarettes, and when they didn't get them, they went round to his house,

Tough admitted behaving in a threatening and aggressive manner towards them on August 4, 2019 by picking up an axe. He also pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace by making inappropriate comments towards the pair and asking one of them to come to his bedroom in return for money.

Defence solicitor Patrick O'Dea told the court that his client drank alcohol every day, his memory was impaired as well as his cognitive abilities.

The solicitor paid tribute to the social worker who had written the report on Tough. He said: "She went over and above the call of duty to give him every support. She visited him at his home and even took him to his GP so he could be examined.

"His problems may be alcohol related and we are awaiting test results for that. He is willing to reduce his alcohol intake which became daily since his partner died many years ago."


View our fact sheet on court reporting here




This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More