JOSEPH CARSON FROM MACHRIHANISH FACES JAIL OVER COURT-BANNED CONTACT WITH HIS MUM IN RENFREWSHIRE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Joseph Carson, a 63-year-old resident of Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute, is now facing a potential lengthy prison sentence following his recent conviction for breaching a court-issued Non-Harassment Order (NHO). The charges stem from his actions in July of the previous year, when he sent a birthday card to his mother, Jane Carson, in violation of the legal restrictions placed upon him.

At the time of the incident, Joseph Carson was under strict legal constraints that prohibited him from making any contact with his mother, Jane Carson, or her associates. The NHO was originally imposed on September 1, 2017, at Paisley Sheriff Court, after Carson had previously engaged in a campaign of harassment against his mother and her then-partner, Ronald Moreland. This order was a response to Carson’s actions, which included inundating Jane Carson and Mr. Moreland with poison pen letters filled with malicious content.

Despite the court’s clear directives, Carson sent an 84th birthday card to his mother, which read, “Hi, mum, hope you’re having a lovely birthday. Your loving son, Joseph.” Mrs. Carson, who was understandably upset and angry upon receiving the card, chose to discard it rather than engage with her son. She recounted that she also received a letter from him in 2019, addressed under her maiden name, Jane Skinner. This letter referenced the incorrect date of birth listed on the court documents, claiming that this error rendered the NHO invalid. Mrs. Carson expressed her frustration, stating, “That’s how he thinks he is going to get away with it. I felt it was him up to his old tricks. I was sick of it – very frustrated.”

In addition to the incident involving his mother, Carson was also subject to a 10-year NHO issued on November 6, 2019, which barred him from contacting Mr. and Mrs. McMillan. This order was a result of Carson’s persistent harassment, which included sending hate-filled letters over a period exceeding five years. Furthermore, between March 19 and 22 of the previous year, Carson engaged in a campaign of intimidation in Renfrew, near Glasgow, by posting posters around the local area accusing the McMillans of being criminals. These posters were placed at various locations, including a bus stop, where Mr. Gayle McMillan, a supermarket worker, noticed one of the posters while on his way to work. He testified that he found five or six similar posters along Paisley Road, and that neighbors also received threatening or harassing mail.

Joseph Carson, who was present at the trial, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that there was a conspiracy to murder his mother, which he refused to elaborate on and declined to be present during parts of the proceedings. However, the jury found him guilty on Thursday afternoon of three charges: first, for breaching the NHO by contacting his mother in 2019 and 2020; second, for breaching the NHO by contacting the McMillans last year; and third, for the ongoing harassment campaign against the McMillans.

Following the verdict, Sheriff David Pender ordered a psychiatric assessment to be conducted before sentencing. The case was adjourned until next month to allow for this evaluation. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of Carson’s actions and the legal measures in place to protect his victims. In a related history, Carson had previously been convicted of assaulting his mother and Mr. Moreland at her home in 2014, during which he assaulted Mr. Moreland, headbutted him, and threw urine on both his mother and Mr. Moreland, who was then 74 years old.

Adding to his criminal record, Carson was also convicted in 1992 of sexually abusing a girl, which resulted in a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. His history of violent and harassing behavior highlights a pattern of troubling conduct, which continues to impact his family and community in Machrihanish and beyond.