Man smashed windows at James Bank Hostel after drug deal went wrong

David Berry had just been released from prison when he went to buy drugs through a window at the centre.

He handed over the money but didn't receive the goods, making him throw a glass bottle towards the building.

Berry, 50, of no fixed abode, previously admitted that, on February 7 at James Street, he culpably and recklessly threw bottles at the windows there, causing them to smash and broken glass to strike a female on the body all to her injury.

The court heard that after being released from prison, Berry attended James Bank Hostel at around 4.55pm.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said the complainer was in her room when she heard the accused shouting outside the building.

She went to the window and Berry began shouting about money he was owed.

"She said she did not owe him anything," Mr Kapadia said.

"He was seen taking a glass bottle for his bag and he then threw the bottle at the building, causing two windows to smash."

The complainer was left with a minor laceration to her wrist from the broken glass.

Police officers saw Berry by the offices of the building and standing over the broken glass.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett explained that Berry had tried to get some drugs through a window.

"They took the cash but did not give him anything," Mr Flett said.

"Then there was shouting and throwing things through the window, including a fire extinguisher that was thrown at him.

"People were behaving in a very similar manner towards him and he responded in kind. His conduct was against that background.

"There are significant issues that he needs to address but simply returning him to custody does nothing to sort underlying issues.

"Mr Berry is trapped in a revolving door which is, of course, disapproved of by the authorities these days."

Sheriff James MacDonald returned Berry to prison for his previous sentence for 60 days.

He will also have to serve another 76 days for the offence at James Bank Hostel.

He said: "Charge one was committed almost immediately after your release from your custodial sentence.

"You have served multiple custodial sentences.

"It was submitted that sending you to prison will do nothing to help you. That may or not be so but I have taken into consideration your record when reaching the conclusion."