Back in jail for bigoted outburst at City Chambers

A serial offender was arrested just hours after being released from jail, after causing a disturbance at Dunfermline City Chambers.

David Berry shouted sectarian abuse at receptionists after turning up there drunk looking for a food parcel the same day he left prison.

Berry (47), of James Bank Hostel, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on 28th April at the City Chambers, Dunfermline, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing, refusing to leave when requested to by members of staff and repeatedly shouted sectarian insults.

Depute fiscal Alisdair Shaw said Berry went to the City Chambers at around 4.10pm. “He approached the reception desk where two members of staff were working at the time.

“He appeared to be drunk and was muttering incoherently. It appeared he was there for an appointment but was unable to give his name or the person he had an appointment with.

“They tried their best to help but he started swearing at them. He was asked to leave but refused and began calling the receptionists, “Fenian b*******”.

Police were called and Berry was arrested. He later told police, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Defence solicitor Roshni Joshi said, “He was under the influence of alcohol at the time and has little recollection of it.

“He has a lengthy record and it can’t be said that it’s anything but unenviable.

“He was released from custody on 28th April and says a social worker had told him he would get a food parcel if he went to the council.

“His position is that he felt he was not being assisted in any way which aggrieved him and he became frustrated.

“It may seem silly to say about someone with his record but he says he won’t do anything like this again. He apologises for any upset caused.”

Sheriff Gerard MacMillan told Berry, “Your record runs and runs. You spent most of 2016 in jail and it’s been the same this year.

“It’s absolutely unacceptable to go into the City Chambers and behave in the manner that you did.” He jailed Berry for 99 days.