"Stalking" messages sent to solicitors
2 Aug 05
Sentence deferred on Hamilton man who sent threats after claim failed
Two Motherwell solicitors were stalked by a Hamilton man upset at losing a claim for compensation, a court heard yesterday.
Thirty-five-year-old Martin Doherty admitted a charge of breach of the peace by sending abusive text messages and letters to Diarmid Bruce and Robert McCormack. Doherty, who obtained the solicitors' mobile phone numbers from an emergency phone hotline, had been represented by the firm Mr Bruce used to work for - Bruce McCormack of Motherwell - in an unsuccessful criminal injuries claim.
Doherty, who has a history of psychiatric treatment, sent the indecent text messages and letters and cards threatening to kill the two lawyers. He was due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday, but the hearing was adjourned for further reports.