David Smith
Photo by Greater Manchester Police/MEN Media

Salford Man’s Terror as Dad Bangs on Door Before Pouring Diesel Through Letterbox

David Smith, 43, a former councilor, has been released from court following allegations that he assaulted his aunt, Margaret Sheridan, 61, after she served him a mince pie dinner. The incident occurred on October 23 last year at their flat in Glasgow’s Govanhill, where Smith was accused of attempting to strike his aunt with a brick.

Court documents revealed that the altercation began when Smith, who had briefly met his aunt a week prior after requesting a cigarette, returned home from a rally in Glasgow city center in a “bad mood.” At approximately 2:40 am, Smith and another man arrived at Margaret’s flat. According to prosecutor Justin Hayhoe, “The defendant was clearly the leading role and directing (the other man) what to do”, reported by the Mirror.

CCTV footage showed Smith approaching the door and repeatedly banging on it with his fist, kicking the door, and shouting insults such as, “Open your f*** door, you s bag!” Upon noticing the CCTV camera, Smith turned it away but was still partially recorded. He then left briefly to retrieve a Jerry can of diesel from his van parked outside, cut a hosepipe to size, and returned to the door to pour the liquid through the letterbox. Despite his aggressive actions, no diesel was found inside the flat, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Margaret Sheridan testified that she had an argument with Smith over dinner. “He wasn’t happy I made him minced round potatoes and peas because he wanted chips,” she stated. She explained that she used the last of the ingredients for mash potatoes, leading to a silent meal. Smith allegedly placed his knife and fork down angrily and left the kitchen for a cigarette. Upon returning, he sarcastically commented, “That was nice,” before escalating the situation by smashing up the kitchen while shouting, “I hate you.”

The chaos forced Margaret to flee to a neighbor’s property after Smith smashed her kitchen window and threatened to set her on fire. “He threw a brick at me but it hit the closed door. He then started to smash up the kitchen and he then left the flat and has not come back since,” she recounted. Margaret also revealed that she had taken two overdoses due to the incident, feeling scared and like a “prisoner in her own home.”

During the proceedings, Margaret admitted to police that her memory of the events was impaired by medication, stating, “Maybe I lied. I don’t remember as I was on a high dosage.” Despite the serious allegations, prosecutor Hayhoe noted that no evidence was presented against the other man involved, leading to the case against him being dropped.

In his defense, Ian Metcalfe argued that Smith had “absolutely no intention” to harm his aunt and acknowledged that Smith was intoxicated and suffering from mental health issues at the time. Smith’s prior convictions for battery and causing grievous bodily harm were also considered.

Recorder Michael Blakey sentenced Smith to two years in jail, remarking, “Clearly you have a problem with alcohol, and you clearly have a temper. For whatever reasons, your thoughts were muddled by alcohol.”

Margaret Sheridan expressed ongoing distress, stating, “I was very fragile and vulnerable [in the video] – I literally went on, thinking it would make me an extra £1k.” The damage to her property cost £4,000 to repair, and she remains fearful of future encounters with Smith.

Smith was released from court after the judge recognized his alcohol dependency and the influence it had on his actions. Sheriff Collette Gallagher offered a supportive message, saying, “If there is truth to these matters, I hope you get the support and help you need. I say that to you as a person rather than as a judge.” Smith responded, “Thank you, I appreciate that,” before leaving the dock.

The case highlights the severe consequences of uncontrolled anger and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for support systems for individuals struggling with these issues.

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