Perthshire man to face court over violent knife threat and assault

PERTHSHIRE MAN TO FACE COURT OVER VIOLENT KNIFE THREAT AND ASSAULT

A man identified as William James Smith, aged 66, has been involved in a violent incident where he threatened to murder his former partner, cut her clothing with a recently sharpened knife, and chased her around her property in Blairgowrie.

During the incident, Smith appeared outside the woman's kitchen window and uttered a chilling threat: “We are both going to die tonight - you first, then me.” He then produced a knife, claiming it was "really sharp" after honing it himself, and inflicted a cut on her top, saying, “Your flesh is going to be next.” The woman managed to escape and locked herself in a bathroom before calling the police.

Smith burst into the bathroom wielding the knife, and police officers arriving found the woman being actively pursued by him outside the property.

Despite using incapacitant spray, officers initially failed to subdue him.

Smith also threatened to stab himself during the police intervention.

After officers beat his arms with batons, he finally dropped the knife and was arrested.

Smith has admitted to these serious charges and is scheduled to appear in Perth Sheriff Court later this year for sentencing, with a remand issued until June 18 for the preparation of a social work report.