DAVID BOYLE FROM TAIN THREATENS TO DIG UP EX-PARTNER'S DOG IN BIZARRE INCIDENT

A disturbing threat was made by David Boyle, a 48-year-old man from Tain, during a series of aggressive and unsettling messages sent over a span of just two days. The court heard that Boyle expressed an intention to exhume his ex-partner’s dog from its grave and take a photograph of the corpse, a remark that shocked those involved and highlighted the severity of his behavior.

These threats were communicated through a barrage of around 40 messages and phone calls directed at the woman, which took place between July 16 and July 18 of the previous year. Boyle’s actions and words were deemed threatening and abusive, prompting legal action. His solicitor acknowledged that Boyle was experiencing distress at the time, stating, “Mr Boyle was upset but he cannot behave like this,” and emphasized that his conduct was a response to other personal issues he was facing.

Boyle did not appear at the sentencing hearing held at Inverness Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Gary Aitken presided. Instead, the court proceeded in his absence after Boyle had previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of threatening or abusive behavior related to this incident. The charge detailed how Boyle repeatedly contacted the woman with threatening messages, including the bizarre remark about digging up her dog from its grave.

In response to his actions, the court imposed a community payback order requiring Boyle to undergo a year of supervision. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued to prevent him from making any contact with the woman for the same period. This decision was made in light of Boyle’s prior history of disruptive and concerning behavior, including a previous order involving 12 months of supervision for causing a teenager to fear by shouting near her home during a breach of the peace.

While recognizing Boyle’s past conduct, the court opted for a community-based sentence in this case, aiming to address his behavior while considering his history. The case underscores the seriousness with which such threats are treated and highlights the ongoing issues of personal conduct and safety in the Tain community.