Melissa Neil, 28, convicted of trying to sway a witness in her brother’s case in Ayr. Sentencing is pending.
Neil, age 28, went up to a woman on Ewenfield Road in Ayr. Another person was with her. Neil knew the woman might be a witness for a case involving Neil’s brother.
Neil, who lived on Belmont Crescent, demanded the woman change her statement. Neil thought the woman gave it to the police. She threatened her to obstruct justice.
This all happened on May 13, 2023. A prosecutor explained what happened in court; it was about 5:35 p.m. The witness was with a friend when a car stopped near her.
Neil was the passenger, and another woman drove. Neil got out of the car and told the witness to change her statement right away. Neil added her brother would never do such a thing. Someone filmed, it seems.
The passenger told the witness about consequences, too, if her statement wasn’t changed. Then, Neil and the other person drove off. Police were called, and they took her to the station in Kilmarnock. Police cautioned, charged, and released her after she promised to appear in court.
John Gallagher, the lawyer, wants reports before sentencing. Sheriff Maria Kicinski spoke about the next steps, saying another court date will be scheduled.
Reports are needed before sentencing in the form of criminal justice social work reports. She will let Neil remain on bail.
The Sheriff said it is very serious and that all sentencing options are possible. Neil needs to be ready. Neil will go back to court later, but they have not set the date yet.