Renfrew Man Admits Breaching Curfew Condition
A Renfrew man who was allegedly subjected to two attempted murder bids has admitted to breaching his curfew condition while under multiple court orders. William Pinkerton, 42, was granted bail at Paisley Sheriff Court on May 6 with the condition that he must stay within his Paisley Road home between 7pm and 7am daily and present himself at the door when requested by police. However, on August 25, Pinkerton was found outside his home at Gala Avenue and Dean Park Road in Renfrew after midnight, breaching his curfew.
Pinkerton pleaded guilty to breaching his curfew while also being subject to two bail orders granted at Paisley Sheriff Court in November 2023 and March 2024. The procurator fiscal depute, Karen Yuill, stated that police stopped Pinkerton shortly before half past midnight, and he believed his bail order had ended, which was not the case. Pinkerton’s defence agent mentioned his client’s extensive criminal record but noted a decrease in recent times, attributing it to two attempted murder incidents that have left him in poor health.
Sheriff Eoin McGinty expressed the importance of complying with bail conditions, especially for individuals with extensive criminal records. He deferred Pinkerton’s sentencing for an assessment to determine if he is suitable for a restriction of liberty order. The court heard that Pinkerton had been attacked with a knife by Stephen Paterson just seven weeks after Paterson had been released early from a previous sentence. Paterson was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for attempted murder.
This incident sheds light on the complexities of individuals with criminal histories navigating bail conditions and the challenges they face in complying with court orders. Pinkerton’s case highlights the need for a nuanced approach to supporting individuals with criminal backgrounds to prevent reoffending and ensure public safety. It underscores the importance of tailored interventions and support systems to address the underlying issues contributing to criminal behaviour.