A north-east fisherman who lost his leg in a horrific accident at sea has been admonished after sending an abusive text message to his former partner.
Paul Buchan appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday where he admitted threatening his ex-girlfriend while parked outside her home on April 2 this year.
He also admitted breaching his bail conditions by approaching her while she was outside a local primary school later that month.
However when the sheriff heard that his outburst had been sparked by his ex making reference to the pain he suffered aboard the Fruitful Vine, 24-year-old was admonished.
The deckhand, of Clerkhill Road, Peterhead, had been working on the Banff registered vessel when a rope wrapped around his shin and snapped his right leg in two.
It could not be saved and had to be amputated.
He was represented yesterday by defence agent Leonard Burkinshaw.
He said his client regretted his actions that evening which has now made it difficult for him to see his young son.
Buchan, who appeared in the dock using crutches, had lashed out when his partner noted his old fishing boat was in the harbour and he could “go down and get your leg”.
“He got angry and retaliated,” Mr Burkinshaw said.
“Mr Buchan fully accepts he should not have responded in the way he did. He probably should have started the car and driven away.
“This is not something that Mr Buchan indulges in. It’s caused larger problems than it needed to.”
Yesterday, Sheriff Andrew Miller decided to spare the former fisherman a financial penalty and instead reprimanded him for his actions.
He said: “I think it’s unfortunate that this situation arose at all.
“I regret to say your former partner cannot be proud of her own conduct.
“I’m just going to draw a line under this – you’re admonished.”
Following Buchan’s accident two years ago, his family and friends launched a fundraiser to help purchase an electric wheelchair and ramp for him to use.
The boat’s cook, Charlie McDonald, was credited with saving his life and was latterly commended by the Royal Humane Society for his actions in stopping Buchan’s bleeding aboard the boat.