A pensioner has been warned he could face a prison sentence after repeatedly phoning a north-east slaughterhouse and calling staff murderers.
Animal rights activist Stephen Rae, 66, also threatened to vandalise employees’ cars during the calls to McIntosh Donald, an abattoir on Cookston Road in Portlethen.
The late-night calls were made between November 26 and December 9 2020, with a further call following on January 6 2021.
Fiscal depute David Rodger told Aberdeen Sheriff Court: “On various occasions a number of phone calls were made from the accused’s mobile phone.”
The calls were answered by security staff at the meat processing plant.
Mr Rodger said: “On November 26, these witnesses received persistent phone calls from the accused’s mobile.
‘You have a history of offending in this way’
“A male voice was heard making threatening comments regarding the witnesses being animal killers and murderers.”
Rae also told the workers that he knew how many vehicles were in the staff car park.
Further “abusive and threatening” phone calls followed on December 8 2020.
Mr Rodger said: “The accused stated employees were murderers and animal killers and threatened to damage cars within the car park.
“The accused asked to speak to a manager which was refused.”
During more calls on January 6, Rae warned he had “traced” employees’ cars to their home addresses and that they “will be vandalised in the next few days”.
Rae, of Crookfold Place, Bridge of Don, pled guilty to two charges of making calls that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
Appearing without a solicitor, Rae told the court: “I’m a member of an animal rights group.
“It wasn’t me that was on the phone, it was one of the members.”
He said he was “acting in concert” with them.
Sheriff William Summers pointed out that that position was inconsistent with Rae’s pleas of guilty – prompting Rae to agree that he had made the calls.
‘Custody is a possibility’
Rae added: “I’d like to say I did find information that some of the animals there had not been stunned properly.
“The RSPCA did an investigation last year and has made recommendations to the company.”
The Press & Journal contacted the RSPCA and SSPCA who did not have any information regarding any investigation or recommendations.
Sheriff Summers told Rae: “There are any number of ways in which I can deal with this case.
“It appears from your record that you have a history of offending in this way. You served a custodial sentence back in 1986.”
The sheriff deferred sentence for background reports “so the court can be better informed as to whether or not the most appropriate disposal is a custodial sentence”.
He added: “Custody is a possibility.”
Asked what his thoughts on possibly being remanded in custody, Rae replied: “I’m not sure what to say.”
Sheriff Summers said: “On the basis you haven’t served a custodial sentence in more than 40 years, I’ll continue your bail.”
He deferred sentence until October.
McIntosh Donald were contacted for comment.
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