The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Witnesses sought after teen rushed to hospital following gang attack
Ateenager was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after he and three friends were set upon by a gang of around 15 men in a Perth park.
The 18-year-old suffered “serious facial injuries” in the assault at the city’s South Inch, Police Scotland said.
Another man, also 18, suffered lesser injuries to his face. The pair were with two 18-year-old women at the time.
The “disturbing” assault happened as the group of four walked near the park’s pavilion at around 10pm on Saturday.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The large group had been congregating near the tunnels, then verbally abused the victims as they walked past, before following them and attacking them.
“One of the victims sustained serious facial injuries, which required surgery, and another suffered a minor facial injury.”
Two men in particular were identified as ringleaders, who were the most responsible for the attack.
The first is described as white, 6ft 2in with straight black hair. He was wearing a light blue Stone Island jumper at the time.
The second suspect is also white, about 6ft, bald with what witnesses said was a “noticeably round face.” He was dressed in a hooded top.
The gang was described by police as “young adults”.
Perth City Centre councillor Pete Barrett said: “This is a very disturbing incident and serious assault.
“I hope that the descriptions of these thugs provided by the police leads to their rapid identification and arrest.”
The Liberal Democrat said: “I would encourage anyone who recognises the assailants, or thinks they know who they might be, to get in touch with the police.
“If in doubt please don’t hesitate. It is far better that the police eliminate anyone not involved in this assault than the perpetrators get away with it.”
At the end of November, Police Scotland declared a blitz on large gangs in Perth city centre, amid a worrying rise in anti-social behaviour and violent crime.
It followed the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in October.
Officers said the youngster nearly died after the attack on Moncreiffe Island.
South Inch was one of the areas targeted by police as part of Operation Stung.
SNP city centre councillor Andrew Parrott said: “People should be able to enjoy the South Inch, and anywhere else, without fear or risk of assault.
“I believe that, generally, Perth remains a safe place, but incidents that demonstrate otherwise must be dealt with appropriately.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or freephone Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, quoting case number 4415 of March 6.
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Verbally abused the victims
A72-year-old husband has been banned from talking to his wife for two years after he pulled a knife on her during a row at their home.
Douglas Gannon was made the subject of a nonharassment order preventing him from having any contact with Ruby Gannon over the next 24 months.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that 69-year-old Mrs Gannon wanted protection from her husband after bringing their relationship to an end.
Gannon, from Blairgowrie, admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner at their former home in Hall Crescent, Burrelton, on July 14.
He admitted uttering threats of violence towards his wife while he was in possession of a knife and was placed under social work supervision for six months.
Fiscal depute Sarah Wilkinson told the court: “Given the circumstances of the case and the fact my colleague spoke with the complainer it was felt a non-harassment order would be of benefit.”
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said his client had “mobility issues” and that there were unusual circumstances to the case.
“This is a case in which we are dealing with a gentleman who is 72 and who has never been in any trouble before,” Mr Holmes told the court.
“It is very unfortunate that things should come to this pass at this stage in life, both for the accused and the complainer.
“The couple will presumably need to take advice and will need help to deal with the upheaval and the likely stress that will follow that.
“He had been hoping for some form of reconciliation, but clearly that is not going to be the case.”
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I want to ensure you don’t get into further trouble
Sheriff Neil Bowie said: “It is no doubt a matter of regret to yourself that you have ended up in court at your age, having never been in trouble before.
“However, any conduct that involves brandishing a knife during an argument is of some concern. You and
your wife have separated and it seems like that will be a permanent arrangement.
“You are facing changes in your life with your relationship having come to an end. I want to ensure you don’t get into any further trouble like this.”