Court hears Hawick rugby coach who exposed himself to video doorbell 'not suitable' for absolute discharge
A court's today heard a Hawick rugby coach who pulled down his trousers and exposed himself to a video doorbell, before pushing a cigarette through the letterbox, is "not suitable" for an absolute discharge.
But a Sheriff's said it may be more lenient with its sentencing of Graham Colville "if he can demonstrate that he can stay out of trouble for a bit longer".
The 37-year-old had been making his way home from a night out in the Borders town on October the 29th last year, when he asked another male to record his "bizarre" behaviour on a mobile phone.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard a 69-year-old man - unknown to him at the time - had been asleep at the property in Dovemount Place, which was also occupied by his daughter.
Police were alerted when the pensioner later discovered the discarded cigarette and viewed the footage.
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Colville, who gave an address in Hassendean Court, Hawick, previously admitted a charge of breach of the peace.
According to official court documents, Colville pulled down his lower clothing and handled his private part in the presence of two others, "knowing his conduct was likely to be filmed and video recorded by a doorbell video camera" at the front door of the house.
After being quizzed by police, he replied: "I'm sorry."
His solicitor revealed he is currently suspended by the Scottish Rugby Union from coaching youngsters until the outcome of the case and asked for an absolute discharge to be imposed to allow him to continue.
He pointed out Colville had since been prescribed medication to help him get to sleep due to "his guilt and remorse", and now no longer drinks alcohol.
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Sheriff Kevin McCarron noted the work Colville does to encourage children into sport and said he was hesitant to make a decision on the appropriate sentence, which could have a "destructive" impact on his career.
He said the case had "caused a lot of distress and upset" to a 69-year-old man "who had to witness this nonsense outside of his house" - adding: "It's all a bit bizarre."
When the case recalled today (Monday), the court heard Colville had saved £500 to pay his victim in compensation.
Sheriff McCarron further deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour, but added a formal conviction will be recorded. The case is due to recall on December 30th.
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