Moray bail breach lands Yorkshire man behind bars over Christmas and New Year
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AN English man who broke a court order by travelling to a Moray village has been bailed after spending Christmas and New Year in custody.
Sheriff David Harvie told Mathew Clemson (41), of Kirklees, that his spell behind bars should be a "very, very clear indication" of what happen when bail conditions are not followed.
On Thursday (January 4), Elgin Sheriff Court heard that Clemson had been banned from entering a Moray village, but moved back to the area only days after and later breached the order.
Clemson, who pleaded guilty to the breach, spent more than two weeks over the Christmas period in custody as a result.
Sheriff David Harvie, presiding, said the man had "received a demonstration" of the stiff consequences of failing to follow court orders.
“You have spent 16 days in custody," Sheriff Harvie said.
“You now have a very, very clear indication of what happens if you breach a bail order.
“You have a very clear indication that this responsibility rests with you and you alone.
“Are you crystal clear?"
In reply, Clemson said: “Oh, we certainly are. Thank you."
Solicitor Iain Jane said his client Clemson, who "pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity", had no previous convictions and "has funds within his bank account."
He added that, upon release, the 41-year-old would return to England and "has no reason to travel back" to Moray, other than his next Elgin Sheriff Court appearance on January 25.
Mr Jane added: "He understands he is the architect of his own misfortune."
Sheriff Harvie deferred Clemson's sentencing until Thursday, February 1, pending the completion of a social work report, and released him on bail.
