Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 9:09am

Mourners in mêlée at Dunfermline funeral

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A FAMILY funeral descended into a mêlée when three mourners kicked off after police arrived at a wake in a Touch pub.

Brothers James Miller (29) and David Morris (34) threatened violence to police officers while their uncle, Norman Robertson, (54) struggled after being arrested for acting in a disorderly manner at the East End Inn, Mercer Place, in June last year.

As police tried to control a "disorderly crowd" of up to 30 people, Miller held a pool cue above his head while Morris told one policeman, "I'll get you at the gym".

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Tuesday Morris and Miller were each fined £510 while Robertson was fined £340.

The court heard that bar staff had called police after an incident occurred at around 10pm on Friday 19th June.

Solicitor Stephen Morrison, representing father-of-three Morris, of Macbeth Road, Dunfermline, said, "The funeral wake was for his mother who had died suddenly at the age of 52.

"Mr Morris was emotional that day. His threat was empty and he had no intention of following it up - he puts his behaviour down to the emotion of the occasion.

"In the mêlée that resulted, Mr Morris' girlfriend was struck on the head with a baton when it appears she was doing nothing.

"Her head was split open."

Morris admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing, threatening violence and committing a breach of the peace.

Unemployed Miller, Inchcolm Road, Dunfermline, admitted to the same offences while also holding a pool cue and refusing to desist.

His solicitor, Gordon Martin, said his behaviour was also due to the emotion of his mother's funeral and seeing his uncle "handled" by police.

Solicitor Ian Beatson, representing Robertson, also of Macbeth Road, added, "It was a family funeral for Mr Robertson's younger sister and he was upset about that.

"He was first aware of police when they were asked to leave and he objected to that and swore at them.

"As a consequence of that they arrested him and he accepts he struggled."

Robertson admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing, refusing to desist, struggling with police officers and committing a breach of the peace.

Three other men accused with similar offences on the night appeared in the dock but were dismissed after the Crown accepted their not guilty pleas.

Sheriff Valerie Johnston said she would impose the "monetary penalty" after taking into account the circumstances and background of the loss of a family member.