Lochgelly man late for dentist threatened to 'burn place down'

It was just one incident in a catalogue of offences committed by 46-year-old David St John, who has appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

St John, of Cartmore Road, admitted a series of crimes.

On March 10, 2022, at the Co-op, Bank Street, Lochgelly, he acted aggressively, repeatedly shouted, swore, made offensive remarks and threats of violence.

On December 12, 2022, at Canmore Dental Practice, Main Street, Lochgelly, he shouted, swore and threatened to burn down the property.

On January 26, last year at Dunfermline police station, he failed to provide breath specimens as required, having been suspected of drink-driving in Cowdenbeath High Street.

On May 17, last year at Dunfermline police station, he acted aggressively, repeatedly shouted, swore and made threats of violence.

On December 23, last year, at David Street, Lochgelly, in a police van and at Dunfermline police station, he assaulted a police officer by throwing a packet of meat at him, striking his face with it, to his injury.

He also resisted two officers, acted aggressively, shouted, swore, kicked the inside of the vehicle, spat on the vehicle, threatened to spit on the officers and spat on the floor.

Depute fiscal Laura McManus said the dentist incident involved St John causing a disturbance in the waiting area.

He shouted: “Do you know who I am? I could burn the place to the ground.”

He was pointing in the face of a member of staff after he was refused treatment.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison said his client had toothache and had missed his appointment. He then turned up late for his next appointment.

“In sobriety, he’s not proud of himself," added Mr Morrison. "One of his issues is binge drinking and he doesn't have a full recollection of matters.”

Sheriff Susan Duff imposed a community payback order with 240 hours of unpaid work, 12 months of supervision and St John was banned from driving for a year.