Fife man admitted assaulting father and stealing money from him to fund drug habit

Andrew Gourlay, of Jedburgh Court, has been ordered to be of good behaviour until April 20, 2021.

Gourlay, 37, was granted bail but under the special condition that he does not approach or contact his father or seek to enter his father’s home address in the town.

He appeared before Sheriff Alison McKay at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Gourlay admitted on July 19 this year at an address in Raeburn Heights, Glenrothes he stole a quantity of money.

He further admitted that on July 24 this year at the same address in Raeburn Heights, Glenrothes he assaulted James Gourlay by striking him on the head.

The Procurator Fiscal Depute told the court: “The accused went into the flat uninvited and started asking James Gourlay for money who refused to give him as he already had given him money previously.

"The accused saw James Gourlay had a wallet in his jeans and he snatched it. He made off with the wallet which had money in it. The witness saw the accused with his father’s wallet and tried to stop him leaving with it.

"The accused was able to get out the front door and dropped the wallet when he left. On checking it, the witness found it empty.

"In relation to the second charge, the accused appeared at the flat again uninvited. The witness went outside to contact the police.

"The accused was there to ask his father for money and refused to leave when he was told he wouldn’t be getting any. He struck his father to the side of his head without warning. The witness and another restrained him until the police arrived.”

The Procurator Fiscal Depute continued: “James Gourlay did not require medical attention. He had been harassed by the accused for money and had previously given him money to get rid of him.

"But now it has reached the stage the accused is stealing from him to feed his drug habit which is spiralling out of control.”

Gourlay’s defence agent said his client was willing to comply with a restriction of liberty order and a ban to stay away from his father’s address.

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