Paisley woman pushed neighbour against fence and called her a 'rat'

Fern Cassidy was under the influence of alcohol on October 2, 2024 when she assaulted her neighbour Jane Pollock in the garden at a property of Braehead Road.

Cassidy seized Ms Pollock and pushed her against a fence. 

The 32-year-old also caused “fear or alarm” on the same day. 

The mum-of-two repeatedly shouted, swore, uttered offensive remarks and acted in an aggressive manner. 

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Cassidy called Ms Pollock “a rat". 

Defence agent Ruth Wallace told the town’s court it was her client’s belief Ms Pollock had damaged her property, she explained: “Ms Cassidy believes the complainer damaged her hot tub and cut down a washing line. 

“She accepts she shouldn’t have acted in this way, regardless of the background.”

Sheriff Claire Arias fined Cassidy £420 and ordered this to be paid at £20 per month. 

Cassidy pleaded guilty to both charges ahead of her trial starting at the town’s court. 

A warrant had previously been granted for her arrest at a previous trial sitting, as she failed to appear.

As a result, sheriff Arias stated there would be no reduction in her fine.