A woman who was reported missing by her worried mum was actually on a New Year’s Day bender in Paisley.
While police searched for Erin Gallagher she was on a pub crawl in the town that ended with her attacking her partner and giving cops false details.
The 22-year-old appeared from custody at Paisley Sheriff Court on Tuesday and wept hysterically as she admitted assaulting her partner on January 1 in Ferguslie’s Main Road, breaching two bail orders and attempting to pervert the course of justice by providing fake details to police officers.
Procurator fiscal depute Amber Feeney told the court: “The accused had been consuming alcohol in various pubs in Paisley town centre.
“The accused was observed by a witness in a parked car, which had its lights turned off.
“The accused and a male were seen arguing in the car and the witness observed the accused becoming aggressive.
“The witness observed the male in the passenger seat and the accused approached the male and struck him several times.”
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The court heard Gallagher was subject to two bail orders at the time of the offence.
One of the bail orders was granted on November 25 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and this placed Gallagher on a curfew, keeping her within her Edinburgh address between 7pm and 7am each day.
Ms Feeney continued: “Around 2am, police attended in relation to the incident involving the assault.
“Police requested details and the accused told police her name was Amy Murray and her date of birth was December 27, 1999.
“After speaking with the male, the accused was arrested on suspicion of domestic assault.
“Checks concluded the accused was subject to bail conditions and she was cautioned and charged, but made no reply.”
Gallagher’s defence lawyer was allowed a brief moment by Sheriff Lindsay Kooner in a bid to “calm her down” as she cried hysterically in the dock.
Defence agent Mr Campbell told how Gallagher and the man, who was 38-years-old, were in a “very casual relationship”
He explained: “The male had made a suggestion that the pair celebrate New Year in the West of Scotland at places known to him.
“He was driving and she was consuming a lot of alcohol.
“She was intoxicated and they had an argument about his driving as a result of Ms Gallagher being in a car accident when she was 16.
“She suffered a punctured lung and as a result has certain fears of people driving at speed.
“Although she does have a record which is unimpressive, she accepts she struck him with an open hand.
“Gallagher’s mother actually reported her missing which ultimately led the police to understand she had provided the incorrect details and she wasn’t Amy Murray.”
Sheriff Lindsay Kooner said: “I’m taking a big chance by taking what Mr Campbell has said on your behalf.”
Sheriff Kooner released Gallagher on bail for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.
Gallagher will return to Paisley Sheriff Court for sentencing on March 14.
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