VIOLENT STALKER SPARED JAIL TERM AS SHERIFF HITS OUT AT JUSTICE SYSTEM
A STALKER has walked free from court after a sheriff said there was no point jailing him because he'd soon be let out.Sheriff Lindsay Foulis laid into Scotland's justice system as he placed violent Paul Garvie on 18 months' probation for threatening his estranged partner and terrifying their daughter.
He told Garvie, who has never been jailed despite five previous assault convictions, that he was "sceptical" about letting him walk free from court.
But he added that even if he gave him the maximum prison sentence, he would be "out by the New Year".
Burly Garvie, a fitness coaching instructor and company director, barged into his ex partners home on April 18.
He searched through her bedroom looking for evidence that she was in a new relationship.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that the following day, he grabbed his daughter, 19, threatened to kill his ex partner and barged into their car.
Garvie, 39, of Rannoch Road, Perth, admitted two breach of the peace charges.
Three other charges were dropped by the Crown.
Sheriff Foulis, who has previously criticised the length of time criminals spend behind bars, said he could give a maximum of 10 months in jail - meaning Garvie could be out in five.
He added: "Even if I impose a 10-month sentence I suspect that with a home detention curfew, you would be out as early as just after the New Year." Garvie was also ordered to attend a domestic violence group and carry out 220 hours' unpaid work.
