HMP GREENOCK INMATE URGED EX TO WITHDRAW POLICE STATEMENT
A FORMER Greenock prisoner is back behind bars after he admitted urging his former partner to withdraw a police statement during phone calls made from custody.James Crainie contacted the man from HMP Greenock on 39 occasions over a 12-hour period on August 5 last year.
The 33-year-old was remanded in custody in relation to a domestic offence concerning his ex-partner at the time.
In a call answered by the man, Crainie engaged in small talk before asking about a statement provided to police.
The complainer denied giving a statement and told Crainie he believed information given to officers had come from neighbours.
Crainie repeatedly claimed he had seen the man’s statement and told him to withdraw it.
He said: “What have you said to the police?
I’ve seen your statement.
I’ve seen what you had said.” He also told his ex: “There are three statements which is enough to send me away from a long time.
I’ve been done with domestic before.” Shaken by the number of calls he had received, the man contacted police to report the matter.
Crainie, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice at Greenock Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
The court heard he had eventually gone on to plead guilty in the case he was discussing during his phone calls from prison and was sentenced to a period in custody.
Sheriff Anthony McGeehan said: “What he was saying appeared to be very informed, very specific in its content and its intention in relation to the impact of proceedings upon him.” Crainie’s lawyer added: “He understands - and I’ve made clear to him - that your lordship can simply send him to custody today.” Sheriff McGeehan jailed Crainie for a period of 460 days for the offence.
A non-harassment order was also imposed, forbidding Crainie from approaching or contacting the man for three years.
