A MAN who attacked his brothers in a family bust-up at a funeral service has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation to one of his siblings.
Ross Cameron, who had earlier sent messages threatening to "destroy" his relatives, turned up at the Holmsford Bridge Crematorium in Dreghorn and battered two brothers – leaving one with a broken tooth – despite being told he was not welcome on the day.
The 38-year-old admitted three charges in relation to the assaults, which were carried out earlier this year.
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard Cameron, described by his solicitor as "not typically a man of violence", also warned "I ain't finished" in light of the incident on August 16.
The offender appeared in the dock on Wednesday, October 9 for sentencing having pleaded guilty to repeatedly punching both men, with one suffering severe injury which was detailed to the court as two misaligned teeth and a broken tooth.
Cameron, of Morar Drive in Paisley, also admitted sending messages to another family member that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character on the same date.
Before sentence was passed, details of the messages sent were disclosed to the court.
A prosecutor explained that the family member who received the messages had been at home in Kilmarnock when Cameron contacted her.
The messages made reference to the assault of his brothers early in the day, and were of a threatening nature.
They said: “Tell him I ain't finished with him. I will see him soon. Tell him to come and meet me, and [his other brother] as well.
“Tell him I will see him tonight if he ain't too much of a s****bag.
“Tell him I’m coming for him. Good luck. I will destroy all of you.”
The matter was later reported to police who spoke to Cameron at Kilmarnock police office two weeks later.
Defending, solicitor Brian Holliman explained that "emotions were running high" on the day of his grandad's funeral.
There had been friction between Cameron and his brothers, and the 38-year-old had been told he was not welcome at the funeral.
"It is a matter of very considerable regret," Mr Holliman told the court.
"In the sober light of day he does not wish to excuse his behaviour. He owns up to it."
The solicitor admitted that the threshold for a custodial sentence had been passed in the case but asked Sheriff Colin Bissett to take into account a number of factors.
He explained that Cameron only has one previous conviction for assault, which dates back over a decade – stating he is "not typically a man of violence".
Mr Holliman added that the Paisley man is in full time employment and was anxious at the prospect of a period behind bars.
Sheriff Bissett said: “Whatever might have been said to you at the crematorium, your reaction was completely inappropriate.
“You seem to accept that. Given these circumstances clearly the threshold has been passed for a custodial sentence.
“However, I am prepared to deal with the alternative to this.”
Cameron was placed on a community payback order, which will include a requirement to complete 140 hours of unpaid work over 12 months.
He was also given a compensation requirement and ordered to pay £2000 to his brother who was left with severe injuries following the assault.
