A teen’s chilling social media threats to stab a young woman following an online spat saw police in Peterhead intercept her as she travelled through the town with a knife.
Taylor Howey had the seven-inch blade concealed with a towel, having earlier threatened her victim with the blade and challenged her to a fight.
The 18-year-old has been told that while she is a first offender her crimes were “very serious” and could have significant consequences.
During an appearance at Peterhead Sheriff Court, Howey admitted a series of offences, including possessing a knife and sending abusive messages.
She pleaded guilty to threatening to stab Paige Youngson in a Facebook message sent on July 23 last year.
A day later, she challenged Miss Youngson to a fight while holding a knife in the town’s Crossfolds Crescent.
Howey also admitted breaking bail conditions that required her not to contact Miss Youngson by shouting at her in the town’s Leask Avenue last November.
Fiscal depute Karen Dow told the court the two young women were known to each other, revealing they had fallen-out in spectacular style.
Howey began by sending the complainer a Facebook message that read: “Paige, you’re a fat mess. I’m going to come through and stab you”.
Ms Dow said a witness believed she had seen Howey carry a knife and was sufficiently concerned she might act on the threat to call the police.
Officers caught up with Howey, of Leask Avenue in Peterhead, later that evening and found a seven-inch long blade within the vehicle she was travelling in.
Ms Dow said it was wrapped in a tea towel, with the pointed blade poking out.
Solicitor Sam Milligan said his client was a first offender and asked the court to consider obtaining reports from social workers before delivering its verdict.
Sheriff Christine McCrossan deferred sentencing on Howey until May 1 to obtain further information on her personal circumstances.
“I’m sure Mr Milligan has explained to you this is a very serious matter,” she said.
