Sheriff criticises ‘nonsense’ social work report
A sheriff due to pass sentence on a man who admitted shoplifting and assault has said she was unable to understand “nonsense” in a social work report.
Sheriff Ruth Anderson’s comments came after Robert Hynd, from Glasgow, failed to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court.
She asked for clarification on one section of a background profile.
It stated: “It would appear Mr Hynd has moved from pre-contemplation to being on the cusp of the contemplative and active stages of the change process.”
The report was compiled on Hynd after he last month admitted shoplifting and assault charges at Paisley Sheriff Court.
He stole clothes from a shop in the town’s Piazza Centre, and make-up and a razor from another outlet in the Paisley Centre.
He also admitted head-butting William Reid to his injury when challenged by him in the centre.
Background profile
The court had previously deferred sentence for social enquiry reports to be compiled along with a community service assessment.
When Hynd failed to attend court for sentence on Monday, Sheriff Anderson drew defence agent Charlie McCusker’s attention to one passage contained in the background profile.
“In my mind, this is just nonsense and we are expected to take cognisance of these (reports),” she said.
The sheriff then asked Mr McCusker: “Have you any idea what is meant by that?”
He shook his head and made no comment.
Sheriff Anderson continued the case and asked for clarification. Sentence was further deferred until 1 December.
