Perth Man Escapes Jail After Violent Crime Spree and Assaults

A man named Jamie Barrie attacked his former partner and two other women after forcibly entering a family gathering at a flat in Perth’s Letham area. During the incident, Barrie attempted to set fire to the host’s moped, which was part of his violent "one-man crime spree" at the residence. He had to be restrained on the ground after reaching through a window and grabbing his ex-girlfriend by the neck. Perth Sheriff Court heard Barrie told his ex that her children "were all dead" prior to launching his assault. He pleaded guilty to charges of tried wilful fire-raising and three counts of assault on August 2 of the previous year. The court did not sentence him to jail but imposed bans from contacting his ex-partner for two years. The court’s case details revealed that Barrie approached the women at the gathering, pushed one woman once in the chest, punched her in the face, and continued to assault her after she threatened to call the police. The assault escalated when he reached through a window to grab his ex-partner by the throat for about 30 seconds before punching her again, despite her pleas to be released. A third woman confronted Barrie outside, where he kicked, punched, spat on her, and also grabbed her by the throat. When police arrived, CCTV footage showed Barrie attempting to ignite the moped with a small flame. Barrie claimed he acted in self-defense after his arrest. His solicitor indicated that Barrie had mental health issues, including PTSD, and had little memory of the events. Sheriff Graham Primrose KC expressed concern that Barrie’s actions represented a near-imprisonment offense, given his violent and destructive behavior during what he described as a "crime spree." Barrie was sentenced to 14 months of supervision, including a requirement for mental health treatment, and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued to prevent contact with his ex for two years.