Castletown Home Vandalized in Apparent Vigilante Attack Incident

A couple in Castletown came home to a bad surprise. Their house was wrecked, the sheriff heard. The damage was called a “vigilante attack.” The couple lacked insurance and lost money; they also lost their £700 deposit on the rented house.

Colin MacNeill, 32, and Darryl Thomson, 38, appeared in court. The incident happened last year on September 5. The couple returned from a trip to Thurso and found a distressing scene when they arrived.

Several tables were smashed in their home, and some furniture was damaged severely. Someone tore the bathroom sink from the wall, and an electric fire was also broken. The victims contacted the police for help.

Police reviewed CCTV footage from the area, which showed Thomson leaving the house’s back. The door wasn’t secure due to a broken lock. Police arrested both men in Calder Square, and MacNeill then struck two policemen at the scene.

Thomson acted abusively at the police station. He threatened PC Stephen Todd with violence, telling Todd he would “stretch” him and that he’d splatter Todd’s nose.

Both men pleaded guilty in court. Thomson admitted to damaging the house, and his lawyer called him a “vigilante.” She said he regretted his actions and noted his problem with alcohol.

McNeill’s lawyer questioned his fitness for work. The sheriff replied he was fit enough to assault officers. The court ordered McNeill to do 150 hours of work and to be under supervision during this time.

The sheriff called Thomson’s actions serious. He ordered Thomson to do 120 hours of work. Thomson also must pay £1500 to the couple. The sheriff warned both men about jail, saying that they were close to a prison term.