Don't send my granddaughter to prison

Aug 9 2010 By Paisley Daily Express

A DRUNKEN woman who terrorised her own granny has been spared a prison sentence – after her elderly relative pleaded for mercy on her behalf.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that boozy Tracy Polson downed so much alcohol that she became aggressive and agitated in her gran’s house, scaring the OAP so much that she called the cops.

However, after Polson was charged, her 89-year-old gran admitted she needs the accused to look after her and did not want her to be locked up.

Officers had gone to a flat in Paisley’s West End after being alerted by Polson’s relative and were so concerned about the situation that they arrested the accused.

Polson – whose boozing has led to her being cut off by her family – admitted conducting herself in a disorderly manner, placing her grandmother in a state of fear and alarm and committing a breach of the peace.

Depute fiscal Peter Galletly told the court there was a history of difficulties which had led to 40-year-old Polson being ostracised by other members of her family.

He said that, under normal circumstances, Polson’s grandmother would accept her behaviour but, when she drank so much that she became loud and argumentative, she felt uncomfortable and had to call for help.

The OAP phoned police around 10pm on Sunday, July 25, and asked if they would come along to deal with Polson.

Mr Galletly said the upset granny told police that, despite what had happened, she "felt sorry" for her.

She also explained that they depended on each other and said she would find it difficult to cope without her company.

Polson’s defence agent Chris McKenna said his client accepted that she needed help and would welcome a chance to be placed on probation.

Sheriff Carol Kelly said she was surprised there was not already some level of social work involvement with the pair and also expressed concern that Polson’s grandmother was in a potentially vulnerable position.

Mr Galletly said the OAP admitted her life would be more peaceful if she did not have to contend with her granddaughter and her habits.

He added: "She accepted that her presence was having an effect on the quality of her life and says she will attempt to be more strict with her granddaughter when she returns.

"She says, somewhat ironically, that she will have no-one to look after her if she does not return."

Sheriff Kelly decided to defer sentence for background reports to be compiled and ordered Polson to stay at an alternative address in the town in the meantime.

This is to let Polson, who was warned not to cause any further alarm or distress, visit and help her grandmother.

The accused was released on bail and will be sentenced on Monday, August 23.