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Oban home carer convicted of sustained campaign of stalking against former friend

Jessie Mary MacDonald sent malicious letters to her place of work.

An Oban home carer who sent “toxic” letters about a former friend to her hospital bosses has been convicted of carrying out a “morally reprehensible” campaign of stalking.

Jessie Mary MacDonald, 61, who runs a private home care business in Oban, faced stalking charges relating to her former friend and the woman’s daughter.

Oban Sheriff Court found MacDonald guilty of sending malicious letters to her former friend’s employer at Lorn and Islands Hospital, containing unfounded claims about the woman’s personal life.

She was convicted of engaging in a sustained campaign of stalking between September 1 2020, and July 31 2021.
‘A concerned member of the public’

The case was heard over six separate sittings, spanning several months.

A police witness testified that a detailed analysis of three letters sent to the hospital revealed repeated use of distinctive phrases.

One such phrase – “a concerned member of the public” – was found in both the letters and anonymous phone calls made to police concerning the woman.

Another officer told the court she had been asked to listen to two anonymous calls and recognised the voice as belonging to MacDonald.

MacDonald, who lived near the complainant, had called 999 after seeing a visitor arrive at the woman’s home during Covid restrictions.

During the calls, she claimed to be frightened of the woman – whom she alleged had a violent past – and insisted on remaining anonymous. Similar accusations appeared in the letters.

In court, MacDonald maintained she was simply raising concerns about potential breaches of Covid-19 rules by a hospital staff member, while she was caring for her elderly father.

She told the court she had been pressured into making the calls and sending the letters by a former colleague and a nurse at the hospital.

“They coerced me into making those phone calls and into writing a letter,” she claimed.

However, under questioning by Sheriff Euan Cameron, MacDonald later backtracked, denying she had said that.

Both the sheriff and the procurator fiscal noted the contradiction.
‘Burner phone’ was bought from Oban Argos

Earlier, those same associates had testified that one had been asked by MacDonald to purchase a cheap “burner phone” from Argos. When the witness paid with her card, MacDonald called her a “silly bitch”.

MacDonald denied any knowledge of the phone, which was allegedly bought from Argos.

It was also alleged that MacDonald had destroyed the printer used to produce the letters.

Throughout the trial, MacDonald’s solicitor, Graham Wright, challenged the validity of the charges.

He cited a forensic report, which concluded that handwriting on one envelope matched a witness in the case but not MacDonald. He also pointed out that MacDonald had no access to restricted hospital areas, while two witnesses did.

Referring to her Christian faith, Mr Wright asked MacDonald what consequences she believed she would face if she was not telling the truth. She responded, “I would have to face the judgment of God if I was lying.”

She admitted to having once used foul language but said she had stopped swearing since giving up alcohol.

When asked about a conversation with two of the witnesses described as a “bitch fest,” MacDonald replied: “I might have said that 20 years ago, but not now.”
Sheriff rules guilty on 11 seperate points

After deliberating, Sheriff Cameron returned with a partial dismissal of the charges, stating that individuals have the right to report suspected wrongdoing.

However, he found MacDonald guilty on 11 separate points, including surveillance of the woman’s movements and aiding someone intent on targeting the complainant.

“I have no hesitation in finding you guilty of vile, abusive, and derogatory messages directed at the complainer,” he said. “This was bullying and harassment – morally reprehensible and utterly deplorable.”

He described MacDonald as an unreliable witness who downplayed her involvement, while maintaining an “unhealthy interest” in the victim.

“You admitted assisting her ex-partner and appeared determined to discredit the complainer,” he added.

The sheriff also noted a long-standing animosity between the two women. He highlighted evidence that MacDonald had threatened to contact the woman’s employer and partner’s family and had repeatedly used derogatory language, including calling her a “fud.”
MacDonald could face a custodial sentence

The sheriff added: “You initially admitted sending the letters, then backtracked. You also told two witnesses that you had sent the letters. I found those witnesses credible and reliable.”

MacDonald, of Longsdale Crescent, Oban, will return to court for sentencing on March 4.

Sheriff Cameron confirmed he is considering all sentencing options, including a custodial sentence, and said a non-harassment order is also under consideration. In the meantime, MacDonald has been ordered not to contact the complainer.

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