OAP asked neighbour if he 'knows someone who can commit murder'

A pensioner asked her neighbour if he "knows someone who can commit murder" and repeatedly contacted him despite being ordered not to by the court.

Catherine Bonthorn, 71, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week after she pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

One of her neighbours, a man, was in his Pollok garden in June 2022, when she approached him and asked “Do you know anybody who can commit murder?”.

The man perceived this as a threatening remark.

A short time later, the elderly woman was in her front garden when the same man passed her.

She told him to “F**k off and die".

This was reported to the police and Bonthorn was arrested.

She was released with bail conditions, which included not communicating with her neighbours and not attending their address.

Two weeks later, the OAP went to the home and spoke with a woman who also lived there about how the man's mother was.

The mother was in hospital at this time.

The woman reminded Bonthorn of her bail conditions and she went home.

Over the next year, she went over three more times, asking about the mother's welfare and handing the woman a letter.

On June 1, 2023, she was arrested again and taken to Helen Street police station, where she spent a night in jail.

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The neighbours both sought a non-harassment order against Bonthorn.

At the hearing, her lawyer told the court: "She has been a tenant at this home for over 20 years. There have been no issues until now.

"The mother was unwell and she saw her being taken away. Her intention was to make sure she was fine.

"She was concerned. She gave her a hug when she saw that she was doing well.

"It’s always concerning when somebody her age comes before the court.

"There was an incident involving the man and her grandson. They had different views on this incident. The man is 41 years old and a prison officer, he is a robust character.

"This has taken a toll on my client. Steps have been taken for her to move.

"She has been described as minimum risk. The last incident took place over a year ago and there have been no further incidents.

"She spent a night in custody. That was a very sobering experience for her. She is quite emotional about the whole thing."

Sheriff Simone Sweeney deferred sentencing for good behaviour and refused the non-harassment orders.