Coatbridge man phoned woman to say he’d kill her

Oct 7 2009 by Our Correspondent, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A COATBRIDGE man who made terrifying phone threats to kill a woman escaped a prison sentence when he appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Ian France Frew was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a charge of breach of the peace.

Fiscal depute Peter Reid told the court that the accused had been arguing with the woman earlier on the morning of September 6.

He continued: “Later in the evening, the complainer had a phone call from the accused, who was under the influence of alcohol.

“The accused began to threaten the complainer, saying, ‘I’ll be home in five minutes – I’m going to kill you. I’ll stab you to death, I’ll do 15 years for you. If you don’t want to die, better phone the police.’

“The police were contacted and attended.”

Blairhill man Frew, 44, admitted using a mobile phone to conduct himself in a disorderly manner by shouting and threatening to kill the woman.

His solicitor said: “He accepts his behaviour was unacceptable but the social inquiry report is very positive and he has no previous convictions of note.

“This was fuelled by alcohol and ongoing issues. He had been out of work for a period of time and was frustrated by that but he apologises wholly for his conduct.”

Imposing the community service order, Sheriff Morag Galbraith said: “I could have sent you to prison as the fact is that this matter is so serious. It must have been very frightening.”