A former British soldier who racially abused two Latvian women in Aberdeen has been warned his behaviour could land him in prison if he doesn’t change his ways.
Michael Begg, 34, appeared in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and admitted making an offensive and racist remark about the women and making repeated threats to “bang” them near his home in the north of the city.
The court heard that when the women went inside their home to avoid Begg he repeatedly struck their front door for 15 minutes while making further threats.
Begg served as a soldier in the UK army and was discharged due to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
His solicitor told the court that Begg had been drinking heavily at the time and had “no recollection” of the incident.
One of the women who suffered abuse from Begg was only 17, the court heard.
Former squaddie thumped on victim’s door
Fiscal depute Christy Ward told the court that on April 7 this year the two Latvian women were having a cigarette when Begg appeared on Logie Place, Aberdeen.
“They observed that the accused appeared to be heavily intoxicated,” she said.
Begg was then heard to say “do you want to have a fight” and “do you want me to bang you” to the women.
As the two women left the street and went into their home, Begg then proceeded to repeatedly strike the front door as he continued to racially abuse the women.
Police officers soon arrived and arrested him.
Begg pleaded guilty to one charge of behaving in a racially aggravated manner by behaving in an aggressive manner, uttering threats of violence and uttering racially offensive remarks.
‘He feels ashamed’
Defence agent Graham Morrison told the court that his client had “no recollection” of the incident as he had been drinking that day.
“He feels ashamed by his behaviour,” Mr Morrison said.
“He was very drunk and that is a recurring theme as it all comes back to when he was in the army and was discharged with PTSD.
“Mr Begg was getting counselling and medication but that broke down – he wants to get back into that.”
Sheriff William Summers described Begg’s behaviour as “utterly disgraceful”.
He added: “The fact that you were drunk is not an excuse. You have a limited record but your previous convictions are of some concern.
“If you carry on like this it’s only a matter of time until the court will lose patience and impose a custodial sentence.”
Sheriff Summers sentenced Begg, of Logie Place, Aberdeen, to a CPO with supervision for 12 months.
He also ordered Begg to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
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