MICHAEL PATON'S PERTH STALKING SPREE: EX-DIRECTOR'S OBSESSION LEADS TO GUILTY VERDICT

Michael Paton, a 76-year-old former company director from Huntingtowerfield near Perth, has been found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct that caused a woman significant fear and alarm in September 2024. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of persistent and unwelcome attention that culminated in a conviction for stalking, despite the defendant’s insistence that his actions were merely driven by enthusiasm.

Paton, who resigned from his directorship at the Tayside and Fife-based vehicle body shop Elder and Paton in August 2023 and described himself as semi-retired, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court to face charges. Throughout the trial, he maintained that he was not intentionally harassing the woman but was simply overly eager. He explained that he believed his behavior was harmless, stating he was “too enthusiastic” and “silly,” and that he “thought the world of the lassie.”

The court heard that the victim, who was working in a Perth shop, was subjected to a series of unwanted advances from Paton. The incidents began after they had a coffee date at the Tickled Trout in Almondbank, where they reportedly enjoyed each other's company. Following this, Paton returned to his home, where he discussed potential trips to Elie, Spain, and Australia with the woman. He claimed they had a “nice time” and that they “got on really well.”

However, the woman made it clear she wanted to slow down their contact, informing Paton that she was seeing family that weekend and asking him to pause communication until the following week. Despite her request, Paton continued to send messages, expressing his hope of going on holiday to Spain together and even suggesting that they might become a couple. The woman responded firmly, asking him to stop messaging her, describing his persistence as “too much too soon.”

Her pleas for him to respect her boundaries were met with continued messages and calls. She told him, “Please don’t keep messaging, this is too much too soon,” and later, “I want to take things slowly and feel you just won’t listen. The constant texts and calls are too much so I’d like to leave things but wish you all the best.” Despite her clear requests, Paton assured her, “you will not hear from me again,” only to later make another call. The woman had to tell him, “Leave me alone please until I speak to you,” as his persistence persisted.

In his testimony, Paton admitted to being “overly enthusiastic” and “very keen,” describing his feelings as “silly” and “overcome with it.” The court also heard about his visits to her home and workplace. On September 8, he drove his car to her Perth residence as she was closing her gates, claiming he was on his way to visit a friend. The following day, he returned with a bunch of flowers and later arrived at her workplace, asking if he could pick her up for dinner. The woman’s manager described her as becoming “hysterical” during these encounters, leading to an order that Paton only communicate with her through other staff members if he returned.

Paton’s defense lawyer, Neil Shand, argued that the behavior did not constitute criminal harassment under stalking legislation. He suggested that Paton was a lonely man who had made “silly choices,” possibly influenced by alcohol, and that there were no malicious intentions behind his actions. He emphasized that the legislation requires a concern for safety or future harm, implying that Paton’s conduct was more foolish than criminal.

However, Sheriff Simon Collins KC was not convinced by this defense. He convicted Paton and imposed a fine of £840. Additionally, the court issued a strict non-harassment order lasting three years, which prohibits Paton from contacting the woman and from entering her workplace. Sheriff Collins stated, “The accused persisted in his advances. It seems to me Mr Paton crossed the line. No means no. It’s clearly likely to at least cause alarm.”

This case is part of a broader pattern of Paton’s recent legal issues. Last year, he was placed on a four-month curfew after being caught drink-driving for the second time, an incident that occurred shortly after he was disqualified from driving following his first offence, for which he was fined £600. Weeks after that, he was also involved in an incident where he urinated in a police van, further highlighting a history of reckless behavior.