MARTIN BUDGE CAUGHT IN BLAIRGOWRIE VIOLATING BAIL CONDITIONS IN EAST PERTHSHIRE

In a case that has drawn significant attention in the local community, 21-year-old Martin Budge, a resident of Toutie Street, Alyth, found himself back in court after breaching strict bail conditions set by Perth Sheriff Court. The conditions explicitly prohibited him from being alone with any females under the age of 16, a restriction imposed to prevent further allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Despite these precautions, court proceedings revealed that Budge was discovered in the company of three girls, all aged 15, during the evenings of October 17 and 18. The incidents took place in Blairgowrie, specifically within Davie Park, the Wellmeadow, and Riverside Park. Court documents detailed how Budge was seen with the teenagers, one of whom reportedly acknowledged him with a casual greeting. Although no inappropriate activity was reported during these encounters, the fact that he was in breach of his bail conditions was enough to warrant legal action.

According to the court, Budge had traveled from his home in Alyth to Blairgowrie, where he was found associating with the group of young girls. His presence with them was considered a violation of the special bail restrictions, which stipulated that he could only be in the company of females under 16 if accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over. The breach was described as a clear contravention, though no further misconduct was alleged during these meetings.

In addition to the bail violation, the court heard about an incident that occurred earlier in April at Budge’s family home. On April 22, he reportedly lost control and caused a disturbance in his mother’s house on Toutie Street. Witnesses described how he shouted and swore loudly, smashed furniture in his room, and subsequently threw a games console out into the street. This act of destruction was characterized as a breach of the peace, further complicating his legal situation.

Depute fiscal Jim Eodanable explained that Budge had traveled to Blairgowrie and was discovered in the company of the three young girls, one of whom recognized him and greeted him. He clarified that nothing inappropriate occurred during these encounters, but emphasized that the incidents still represented a breach of the bail conditions. The fiscal also noted that the bedroom incident was triggered “after he goes off on one,” suggesting a possible emotional or mental health issue.

During the hearing, solicitor Mr. Birkenshaw provided context, stating that Budge had engaged with one of the girls via Facebook, where she indicated she was 19. The lawyer argued that Budge believed he was complying with the restrictions, as he was told that meeting someone under 16 was not an issue if they were not in school uniform and it was a dark night, making it difficult to determine age. He insisted that his client was not engaging in anything inappropriate and that the time spent in custody had allowed him to reflect soberly on his actions.

In light of the two months Budge spent on remand, Sheriff Valerie Johnston chose to admonish him for the breach of bail. She also imposed a fine of £300, which he was ordered to pay at a rate of £20 per month. The court’s decision underscored the importance of adhering to bail conditions and the seriousness with which breaches are treated, especially in cases involving minors and community safety.